Northern Grip is an annual celebration of mountain biking and mountain bike culture with the inaugural festival taking place in Ramsbottom on Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th July 2016.
The festival combines riding on some of the North West’s finest fells with a focus on post-ride activities in the festival hub located in and around Ramsbottom’s Civic Hall.
Live Music will be provided in the hub and on the hills by Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, The East Pointers, Rick Warren and Damien Heakin with Manchester’s Funkademia club night providing the DJs throughout the day & night – Graeme Hawley, Pasta Paul & Baz Kirkley will all be on the decks.
Our outdoor expo area will showcase demo bikes and new products from Kona, Alpkit, Sonder, Cotic, Scott, and Giant, whilst headline sponsor Team JMC will be on hand to chat about their sporting club and how you can benefit by getting involved.
Inside the hub we have Q&A sessions planned with pro rider Ricky Crompton, lad & dad cycling duo Rich & Tom Pips, the people behind the new indoor mountain bike centre Dirt Factory, the Hope Tech womens ride team and more. There’ll also be a bike setup clinic from Cooksons, as well as Pedal Precision and Shack Wrap showcasing their wares.
Food and drink will be available in the festival hub’s courtyard where you can sample our very own Northern Grip Bunny Hop ale brewed exclusively for the festival as well as an array of food including wood fired pizzas from local heroes The Venetian.
Throughout the day and evening we’ll be screening classic mountain bike films and new edits from Kona, Alpkit, Ricky Crompton and more. There’ll be track stand and other competitions with great prizes up for grabs.
As we run into the evening the party vibe will take over as we hand over to our bands and DJs to take us into the small hours. Award winning gastropub the Eagle & Child will be performing breakfast duties on Sunday before we head out onto the hills for one last big ride.
We’ve been working with the National Trust to open up new waymarked trails above Ramsbottom on the Saturday and Sunday that have never been “officially” used before and this is something we’re very excited about.
Northern Grip organiser Tom Whitehead said: “Northern Grip isn’t going to be just about the fun riding to be had on the amazing hills and trails around Ramsbottom. The festival hub at the Civic Hall will have a full programme of activities with film screenings, live music, DJs, Q&As with extraordinary riders, bike demos and, of course, great local food and ales. We’ll also be throwing in some memorable surprises throughout the day.”
The industrial backdrop of this northern town, located just 30 minutes drives from Manchester, is perfect to celebrate the joys of riding dirt. Ramsbottom is home to many a varied festival and Northern Grip continues this aspect. Northern Grip will celebrate the majestic mountain bike and what it can bring to people’s lives.
Remaining tickets priced at £25.00 at northerngrip.co.uk
Under 16s free entry with an accompanying adult ticket.
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