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Dave Day 3 confirmed but it will be the final ride

Tom BurgessNorth East and Cumbria
PA Media Hairy Biker Si King on his motorbike at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull during Dave Day. Next to him is another rider who is raising his arm and pointing his index finger in the air. Behind them are other bikers.PA Media
Thousands of bikers took part in previous Dave Day celebrations

The third and final Dave Day celebration has been announced in memory of TV chef and Hairy Biker Dave Myers.

Thousands of bikers are again expected to ride to Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria on 20 June in celebration of the 66-year-old who died from cancer in 2024.

But the previous events' organiser, Jason Woodcock, said problems funding the ride and the complication of arranging it meant this year's would be the last.

Westmorland and Furness Council said it had committed £10,000 to the safe management of any bike procession and offered help from staff on the day.

Woodcock said: "Dave Day is really important to me but the reality is Westmorland and Furness Council said they didn't have the funds to put on Dave Day.

"They wanted me to become a full-on event organiser and that could have costed between £80,000 to £100,000, which we can't do."

The council said it had contacted the organisers but had not had confirmation the event was going ahead.

"The principal legal duties for ensuring public safety remain with the event organisers and others responsible for running the event," a spokesperson said.

South Shore Productions Dave Myers and Si King sit in front of a painted orange wall. They are both wearing biker jackets and have sunglasses on. Dave is smiling contentedly and Si is looking at Dave with fondness. Behind them, written on the wall, is a sign that reads "Hidden Gem".South Shore Productions
Dave Myers and Si King had a shared passion for motorcycles and food

There would be no formal registration for this year's ride, Woodcock said, and he would not be leading it. People would be welcome to join the procession but "what happens in Barrow is nothing to do with us", he said.

"We are simply riding with some mates up to Barrow and if you choose to join us that is completely up to your own volition.

"I want to make it the biggest and it will be the last big ride that we will be doing to remember our loved ones and remember Dave."

The council said the two Dave Days in 2024 and 2025 were "amazing events" that had brought the community together to remember and celebrate the life of Dave Myers, "a true proud Barrovian".

"Significant numbers of our staff supported Dave Day events and activities in the town in both years, including allowing use of council venues and facilities and arranging road closures and parking facilities," a spokesperson said.

More than £127,000 was raised for charity by the inaugural ride and £134,000 was raised by the follow-up event last year.

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