Bikes, beer and bands for 18th Chaos Festival
MORE than 1,000 motorbike enthusiasts and music lovers headed to Pleinmont at the weekend as the Greenman Chaos Festival returned for its 18th annual event.
Many camped in the fields surrounding the festival site for the whole weekend, enjoying a range of motorbike-themed activities and competitions, as well as music from over 100 acts.
More than 200 bikes were taken to the festival to be judged in different categories.
‘There are categories for best bike of a particular manufacturer, such as Harley-Davidson, and also a burnout competition, which can get noisy, but people absolutely love it,’ said co-organiser ‘Ozzy’ Chris Chadwick.
‘There’s a battle of the bands competition which has attracted some younger performers, and also a chilli eating competition. I’ve heard the chilli is crazily hot this year.’
He thanked landowners for allowing the festival to take place in their fields. They were invited into the festival for a beer as thanks for their support.
‘We really do appreciate their generosity. It has made accommodating everyone so much easier. I reckon there will have been between 1,200 and 1,800 people here by the end of the weekend,’ said Mr Chadwick.
Alain Branquet won the prize for best Harley Davidson. His bike takes pride of place in his lounge at home.
‘It’s custom-built. I got it about five years ago and only ride it two or three times a year, so it’s in great condition,’ he said.
Jason Rostrum’s motorcycle won the prize for best street fighter bike. He inherited the bike just over three years ago from close friend Bernie Price.
‘Bernie is sadly no longer with us. I feel very honoured to ride this bike and keep his memory alive,’ he said.
‘It’s been all over the world, including competing at the Isle of Man TT, and I use it to raise money for Cancer Research UK.’
Matt Bisson won the prize for best large and coloured tattoo for a drawing on his left arm depicting Yoshi, of Super Mario fame.
He said it was inspired by his son, Joshua, who was at the festival with his dad.
‘I call Josh ‘Yoshi’ as a nickname. I only got it done last Wednesday,’ said Mr Bisson.
Joshua, 10, said he enjoyed listening to the music and watching bikes do burnouts.
‘It’s already my fourth time coming to the festival. I love coming every year,’ said Joshua.
