Herne Hill Velodrome in South London is set to host a major new retro-themed cycling festival, the P&P World Cycling Revival. Taking place on 14th-16th June 2018, the event is described as "a high-end heritage sporting, music and lifestyle festival celebrating 200 years of the bicycle."
The World Cycling Revival is set in the halcyon days of the Herne Hill Velodrome, when it hosted the London 1948 Olympics, and visitors will be invited to wear vintage themed clothing throughout the whole festival.
Launched by Ned Boulting, David Millar and Graeme Obree, the festival will include races, exhibitions and vintage entertainment in what the organisers say will be the largest event hosted at Herne Hill since the 1948 Olympics:
"The event's various sporting, lifestyle and musical activities will create an intoxicating atmosphere that will make attendance at the event an absolute must for any fan of cycling or heritage events.
"The event aims to become an annual highlight of the summer social and sporting calendar; creating the best hospitality experience in the sport of cycling.
"The Herne Hill velodrome will host a full programme of racing including a Japanese Keirin Trophy where guests can place bets, via Fitzdares, on the five races each day. London bicycle brand Condor Cycles, founded in 1948, will provide steel framed Keirin bikes built with Japanese Keirin-style components."
The programme will also include a Brompton invitational race with entrants - including former pro David Millar - competing for a £10,048 prize pot, as well as Penny Farthing, derny and - a new one to us - "stayer racing".
Amid the drama on the track, guests can explore exhibitions on the history of the bicycle in partnership with the National Cycle Museum, with further interactive experiences set to be announced in coming months.
Speaking at the event launch, cycling commentator and author, Ned Boulting, said: "The Herne Hill velodrome is a magical place esteemed in history, which has a special place in my heart. I can't think of a better venue to host a huge celebration of all things cycling; one that'll appeal to cycling purists, vintage enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a great and different day out."
The revival was launched at Cahoots, a secret bar in Soho where guests are transported back in time to post-war 1940s in a disused underground tube station featuring dazzling cocktails, swing dancing and sing-a-longs around an old piano.
Cahoots joins the impressive line up of hospitality partners for the event, alongside Fuller's, Pommery Champagne and Fever Tree, all helping keep visitors enjoy the event in style.
John Postlethwaite, Founder of The P&P World Cycling Revival, said: "We're very excited to launch The P&P World Cycling Revival today. This is an event like no other for cycling and we're delighted to be working with Herne Hill in creating the greatest celebration of the bicycle the world has ever seen."
Speaking at the launch, Graeme Obree said "There are tracks like Herne Hill, the same size, but they're not the same to me. What I remember from 25 years ago at Herne Hill is the intensity and the atmosphere from thousands of people in the crowd. To me this track is London, it's the heart of the action, it's London's velodrome. I want to be there to feel the vibrancy and the energy again."
Obree will be rebuilding his "Old Faithful" bike for display at the festival - and who knows, after a few hours in the refreshments tent he might even be persauded to give it a whirl on the track...
Early-bird tickets for The P&P World Cycling Revival are on sale now priced from £65 for a day or £150 for a three-day weekend ticket. For more info and to book visit www.cyclingrevival.com.
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