THE BULLDOG BASH
The definitive history of Europe’s premier biker festival. From the 1/4 mile drag strip to the legendary rock lineups, we explore the legacy of Stratford-upon-Avon’s loudest weekend.
More Than Just a Bike Show
Held annually at the Shakespeare County Raceway (formerly Long Marston Airfield), the Bulldog Bash began in 1987. Organized by the Hells Angels, it rapidly evolved from a small gathering into one of Europe’s largest motorcycle festivals.
The core of the event was the “Run What You Brung” (RWYB) drag strip. Unlike other festivals where you just watched, the Bash allowed attendees to take their own machines—from custom choppers to modified streetfighters—onto the quarter-mile tarmac.
The Machines of the Strip
- 🔥 Jet Cars: Powered by helicopter engines, reaching 300mph. The “Fireforce” team were regulars.
- 🚀 Top Fuel Dragsters: The fastest accelerating vehicles on earth, hitting 100mph in under a second.
- 🏍️ Stunt Bikes: While the drag strip was for speed, the purpose-built arena hosted wheelie competitions and burnout contests.
Attendance History
The 2007 Tragedy
The narrative changed in 2007 following the tragic murder of Gerry Tobin on the M40. While the violence didn’t happen at the event, it triggered massive police scrutiny and years of licensing hearings at Stratford District Council.
Operation Repression?
In 2008, the policing bill reportedly hit £1.4 million. Organizers argued the heavy checkpoints and road closures were designed to bankrupt the event by discouraging casual visitors. Despite this, the event maintained a remarkably low internal crime rate compared to other UK festivals of similar size.
The Cost of Policing
Spike in costs post-2007
The Final Flag
The ultimate blow was not the police, but the closure of the venue itself. Shakespeare County Raceway ceased operations around 2018 due to the Long Marston Garden Village development plans.
Without the drag strip, the unique “soul” of the Bash was gone. While other events have tried to fill the void, the combination of top-tier rock music and professional drag racing remains unmatched in UK history.
Quick Facts
- Venue: Shakespeare County Raceway
- Nearest Town: Stratford-upon-Avon
- Status: Permanently Closed
- Last Event: ~2017/2018
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Bulldog Bash cancelled?
Where was the Bulldog Bash held?
Is the Bulldog Bash coming back?
Hall of Fame Lineups
Legendary bands that played the main stage:
- Status Quo
- Motörhead
- The Damned
- The Darkness
- The Stranglers
Chronology of Chaos: A Timeline
1987: The Beginning
The first event is held at Long Marston Airfield. It starts as a relatively small bike show organized by the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
1998-2005: The Golden Era
The event peaks in popularity. Attendance regularly tops 30,000 people. The Bulldog Bash becomes a staple of the European festival circuit, attracting major rock bands and professional drag racing teams.
2007: The M40 Incident
Gerry Tobin is shot while riding home from the festival. The incident brings national media attention and intense police scrutiny to the event, despite the crime occurring miles away from the venue.
2008-2010: The Crackdown
Warwickshire Police launch massive operations, closing roads and setting up checkpoints. Attendance figures drop significantly as casual fans are deterred by the delays and police presence.
2018: The End
Shakespeare County Raceway closes to make way for the ‘Garden Village’ housing development. Without the drag strip, the Bulldog Bash ceases to exist in its traditional format.
Visiting the Historic Area Today
Where to Stay
While you can no longer camp on the drag strip, the surrounding area is full of history.
- Stratford Touring Park Located at the racecourse, a popular spot for bikers visiting the town.
- Dodwell Park Just down the road from the old airfield site on the Evesham Road.
- Premier Inn (Waterways) Central Stratford, good parking availability.
Local Eats & Pubs
Long Marston and the surrounding villages have excellent country pubs.
- The Masons Arms Located in Long Marston village itself. A classic local spot.
- The Bell (Welford) A short ride away, famous for its thatched roof and garden.
- Caffeine & Machine About 15 mins away. The modern “Mecca” for petrolheads in the area.
Were You There?
From the mud of the campsite to the thunder of the Top Fuel cars, the Bulldog Bash holds a special place in UK biking history. We want to hear your stories.
