PLANS are revving up for an event which will see Royal Enfield riders park up in Redditch as the town celebrates its historic links to the international motorcycle giant.

As part of the event, in Arrow Valley Countryside Park, the recent installation of ‘The Redditch Bullet’ motorbike sculpture will be officially unveiled.

There will be music and food and drink available at the nearby Boat House during the event. 

Redditch is the official home of Royal Enfield and the ‘Bullet’ which was made in the factory in Hewell Road, from 1932.

The company was one of the town’s biggest employers from 1901 until 1967 when the production was halted and moved to India.

In 2019 Redditch Borough Council and Royal Enfield rekindled its relationship, putting on events in the town, including an exhibition in the Kingfisher and the also the idea for the sculpture and the celebratory was conceived.

Redditch Borough Council’s portfolio-holder for leisure, councillor Juliet Barker-Smith said: “I love seeing our town come together and for what better reason than to celebrate the history of Redditch and the legendary Royal Enfield.

“Lots of our residents have memories of working at the factory themselves or know family members and friends who did. And who can forget getting their first Royal Enfield bike or sitting on the legendary Bullet. 

“As part of this event we want to collect these stories and there will be opportunity to share yours on the day or look out on our socials for details too.”

Council Leader Joe Baker added: “As a keen biker myself I will definitely be attending but also because I am proud of this town’s heritage and that over 120 years later we are still connected with Royal Enfield.”

Through Royal Enfield networks and its dealers, riders of the trusty steeds will be invited to join a ride from a not so far away location to Arrow Valley where they will park up and there will be a chance to look around them.

Royal Enfield's Marketing Manager for Europe, Mark Spiller added: "We are delighted to present this landmark sculpture to the people of Redditch in partnership with the Borough Council and Arrow Valley Park.

“The event on September 22nd will be a fantastic opportunity to share memories of Royal Enfield in Redditch and celebrate the legacy which has taken Royal Enfield around the globe as one of the most successful motorcycle manufacturers in the world."

The event, on September 22, will start at noon, with the arrival of the motorbikes and run until 3pm with music from Cici Howells and Ben Adams during the day.

Ben Clawson-Chan, Managing Director of Rubicon Leisure, which is hosting the sculpture and the event, said, "We are honoured to have this remarkable sculpture on Rubicon Leisure's grounds and to be part of the legacy that Royal Enfield brings to Redditch.

“We look forward to celebrating both the sculpture and Royal Enfield with this welcome event."

For more information and to share your Royal Enfield Stories see Redditch Borough Council’s social media.