The second London International Custom Show has been cancelled, just over one month before it was due to take place in late May 2009.
The event, which made its debut last year, attracted some of the biggest names in custom motorcycle building, tattoo artists, accessory retailers and more to the Earls Court venue in London. The show organisers say that 100 stands had been booked, but blamed cashflow problems and general exhibitor wariness in the recession for the last minute cancellation.
The show was due to hold a round of the AMD World Custom Bike Building Championships, and it isn’t clear where these heats will take place now.
insidebikes contacted Anthony Foy from Battistinis who commented; “We hope a custom show can happen in London in future, as the interest in custom bikes is huge right now, although economic conditions are difficult. A London show needs a big name sponsor to pay the venue hire costs upfront, plus publicity – that would bring overwhelming support from the custom bike sector I feel.”
Several motorcycle shows have either been cancelled, or seen problems with low exhibitor support in 2009. Beaulieu’s Motorcycle World is perhaps the highest profile of all the events hit by the recession so far, but there are probably more regional and niche interest shows which will struggle over the next two or three years.
However, there are many motorcycle shows, charity runs, dealer open weekends and other events supported by Carole Nash Insurance, and for more details please visit; www.carolenash.com or keep checking back at insidebikes throughout 2009.
