Stonham Barns Park Showcased Cycling for All

Great Start’ to Suffolk CycleFest … Encouraging Cycle Fun for All at Stonham Barns Park

brand new show for 2023 showcased a diverse range of cycle interests – for all ages

Stonham Barns Park has hosted its first ever Suffolk CycleFest for bicycle lovers, enthusiasts and racers from across the region. The’ all-inclusive and interactive cycle show was heralded as a ‘huge success’ by organisers who put on a range of cycle activities including riding a local sportive (which was open to everyone with a bike – electric as well), BMX stunt riders and electric cycling.

Over 100 participants joined in 30, 60 and 100-mile Sportives – supported and run by Stowmarket and District Cycle Club – despite the blustery weather on the day. The event was a precursor to the just announced Tour of Britain which will once again include a stage in Suffolk.

Up-and-coming British Cycling star Abbey Thompson – who is sponsored by the leisure, retail and holiday venue Stonham Barns Park – attended the special one-day event. Inspired by her father Leon Thompson to start cycling, Abbey has cycled in many national and international competitions and has cycled with British Cycling pro Megan Barker! Her favourite wins include the Paris Roubaix in France, the GB Road and TT National Championship and the Isle of Man National Youth series races.

Abbey was present for a meet and greet and sportive session at the event chatting to visitors about her achievements and aspirations for 2023/24.

Her long-term aim is to be a famous professional cyclist and win the World Championship – and the women’s Tour de France!

Says Events Manager Joanna Daines, ‘Stonham Barns Park been hosting the Suffolk Youth Race Team (aged from 6-17 years) – for a few years. The team use the showground as a practice track and the venue is the start/stop point for many regional club races and time trials.’

‘We are delighted that this debut event has been such a huge success for cycle clubs and cyclists everywhere. As cycling has grown so much as a participation sport in recent years, we are looking forward to rolling out Suffolk CycleFest again next year for cyclists from the region.’

The show featured the Extreme Bike Battle Stunt Team, a Kids Balance Bike trail, bike specialists Maglio Rosso, Salice UK, Ipswich Cycle Speedway, Suffolk Police and Combat2Coffee.

Added Matt Flynn SDCC Social Event Organiser: ‘We are delighted that the event was supported by so many people. We have learned a lot from staging this first CycleFest which we will use to put on a bigger and more improved event next year.’

‘The event attracted a new demographic of visitors which was great to see. If it exposes more people to cycling for health and better wellbeing, it’s got to be a good thing.’

Stonham Barns Park does not just offer great shows and events, it also has many attractions onsite including an owl and bird of prey centre, pirate adventure golf course, 9-hole golf course, vintage dodgem rides and funfair rides, fishing lakes, water activities lake, teapot pottery, restaurant, and tearoom and plenty of unique shops and much more.

Stonham Barns Park has been serving the community of Suffolk since it first opened in 1987 and is still as much a family destination as it was when it first opened, and it is now becoming a more prominent part of Suffolk tourism which is growing exponentially year on year. Stonham Barns Park itself welcomes many visitors from all over the UK – particularly from London, the South-East and from as far away as The North and Scotland.