Thousands of bikers took to the streets of Essex at the weekend to help raise funds for the county’s air ambulance service.

It was the 15th year for the Motorcycle Run, Essex Air Ambulance’s biggest and longest-running event. According to local newspaper the Daily Gazette, about 5,000 motorcycles joined the 60-mile ride on Sunday to Harwich Quay from Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Laindon.

There was entertainment before the ride, with motorcycle display team The Imps giving two performances. The riders set off at 11am and arrived at the Harwich Family Festival at about 12.30pm.

As well as the bikers, more than 2,000 visitors attend the event each year. This year’s Family Festival featured live entertainment, with bands and other entertainers performing on stage. Visitors could also get up close to an Essex Air Ambulance helicopter and an Essex Police helicopter on Harwich beach.

A live auction included merchandise signed by MotoGP riders such as Valentino Rossi and Scott Redding, and a one-off green Motorcycle Run T-shirt and helmet signed by World Superbike champion Tom Sykes.

In addition, all bikers who pre-registered for the event were automatically entered into a prize draw to win £2,000 worth of motorcycle kit courtesy of Devitt Insurance. For the first time, this year there was also a runner-up prize of a Lewis Leathers Triumph jacket worth £700, donated by Jack Lilley Motorcycles.

As well as being a fun day out for everyone involved, the Motorcycle Run raises vitalfunds for Essex Air Ambulance, which relies on public donations to keep flying, commented Wendy Marcon-Knightley, sponsorship and events manager for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust.