Scarborough Goldwing Light Parade
Neon Motorcycles, Fireworks and Fundraising.
Posted on 24th July 2026
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 based at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, live entertainment, an evening light parade stretching along the coastal roads, and a finale fireworks display over South Bay. 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 at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre in North Bay, giving visitors plenty of space to get up close to the bikes before the evening procession.
- Daytime Static Display (Open Air Theatre, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM): Head into the Open Air Theatre venue where over a hundred Goldwings park up for display. Visitors can walk among the machines, meet the riders, inspect custom LED installations, and buy charity raffle tickets.
- Live Music & Entertainment: Enjoy music, interviews, and family entertainment throughout the afternoon at the Open Air Theatre hub while the bikes prepare for their evening run.
- South Bay Fireworks (9:30 PM): Once the illuminated evening parade finishes its coastal circuit, the sky above South Bay lights up with a spectacular finale fireworks display fired over the water.
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 leaves the North Bay / Open Air Theatre precinct at 8:00 PM, sweeping out along the coast.
- Coastal Circuit: The parade tracks around Marine Drive, heading along Sandside and Foreshore Road past South Bay before looping around the Spa area 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 10:00 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 Open Air Theatre 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 (Open Air Theatre)
• 8:00 PM: Evening Light Parade (Marine Drive / South Bay)
• 9:30 PM: South Bay Fireworks
Bring Physical Cash
While nearby cafes take cards, official charity bucket collectors, tombolas, and raffle ticket sellers operate strictly with cash.
Terrain & Accessibility
The Open Air Theatre grounds 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 or catch the 9:30 PM fireworks over South Bay.
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Main Daytime Hub:
Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Burniston Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 6HD
🚗 By Car & Parking
For daytime access to the Open Air Theatre, pay-and-display parking is available at Northstead Manor Drive and the Scalby Mills car parks. For the evening parade along the seafront, visitors are 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, local open-top and standard bus services run regularly towards Peasholm Park / Open Air Theatre in North Bay, as well as down to South Bay for the evening parade.