Scarborough Goldwing Light Parade
Neon Motorcycles, Seafront Parades, and Fundraising.
Posted on 24th July 2026
Important Event Update
Please note: Following official government advice due to extremely dry summer weather conditions, the fireworks display has been cancelled for this year's event. The daytime static display and evening neon motorcycle parade will go ahead as planned!
Every September, thousands of visitors and motorcycle enthusiasts descend on Scarborough for one of the most vibrant free events on the Yorkshire coast. Over 100 Honda Goldwing bikes—adorned with thousands of custom neon lights, sound systems, and fancy-dress riders—take over the town for a full day of family entertainment and high-octane fundraising.
Returning on Saturday 12th September 2026, this unique festival combines a daytime static display centered at Scarborough's West Pier, live entertainment, and an evening light parade stretching along the coastal roads. The entire event is free to attend, raising thousands of pounds each year for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
What to Expect During the Day 🏍️✨
The main hub for Saturday's activities is hosted along the West Pier in South Bay, giving visitors plenty of space to get up close to the bikes before the evening procession.
- Daytime Static Display (West Pier, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM): Head down to West Pier where over a hundred Goldwings park up for display. Visitors can walk among the machines, meet the riders, inspect custom LED setups, and buy charity raffle tickets right by the harbour.
- Live Music & Entertainment: Enjoy music, interviews, and family entertainment throughout the afternoon at West Pier while the bikes prepare for their evening run.
- Charity Fundraising: Official volunteers will be collecting donations across the pier and seafront in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The Evening Light Parade & Route 🗺️
As dusk falls, the riders fire up their custom neon rigs, flashing strobe setups, and onboard music systems to embark on the night parade across town.
- Muster & Departure (8:00 PM): The illuminated fleet prepares at the South Bay seafront and West Pier precinct before departing at 8:00 PM to sweep out along the coastal road.
- Coastal Circuit: The parade tracks around Marine Drive and North Bay, heading along Sandside and Foreshore Road past South Bay to give spectators along both bays a front-row view.
- Road Closures: Key coastal stretches (including Marine Drive, Sandside, and Foreshore Road) experience managed closures to traffic between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM to accommodate the procession and crowds.
Photo Gallery
Plan Your Visit 📅
Essential details for planning your day and evening in Scarborough:
Admission Cost
FREE ENTRYCompletely free entry to the West Pier daytime display and seafront parade! Donations are welcomed for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
2026 Event Timings
Saturday 12th September 2026
• 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Static Display (West Pier)
• 8:00 PM: Evening Light Parade (Marine Drive / South Bay)
Bring Physical Cash
While nearby harbour cafes take cards, official charity bucket collectors, tombolas, and raffle ticket sellers operate strictly with cash.
Terrain & Accessibility
West Pier and coastal promenades along Marine Drive and South Bay are flat and fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Spectator Tip
The coastal wind off the North Sea drops quickly after sunset. Bring extra warm layers if you plan to watch the 8:00 PM parade along Marine Drive.
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Main Daytime Hub:
West Pier, Foreshore Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1PD
🚗 By Car & Parking
For daytime access to West Pier, pay-and-display parking is available along Foreshore Road and Sandside car parks. For the evening parade along the seafront, visitors are strongly advised to use town centre car parks or the Scarborough Park & Ride (Seamer Road & Filey Road) to avoid road closures along Marine Drive and Foreshore Road.
🚌 By Public Transport
From Scarborough Railway Station, West Pier and South Bay are a straightforward 10–15 minute walk downhill, or accessible via local open-top and standard bus services heading down to the seafront.