by Peter Barnett
pbarnett@thekmgroup.co.uk

Get your motor running, head out on the highway - thousands of bikers from around the UK and Europe are expected to roar into Margate on Bank Holiday Monday.

Their presence will recall the notorious days of the mid 1960s, when the resort was a battleground between the Mods and Rockers, one of the most iconic images of pop culture heritage.

But these riders are real motorbike enthusiasts with the accent firmly on fun, hopefully in the sun, and the chance to catch up with fellow two-wheeled fans.
Last year’s first Margate Meltdown, organised by the bikers' haunt, the Ace Cafe in London, faced howling gales and torrential rain.

Similar rallies in Southend and Brighton regularly attract around 50,000 and 100,000 riders respectively.

He said: “Margate Meltdown isn’t as well-established as Southend and Brighton, but there is positive interest in the rally and we are looking forward to an impressive showing.”

The old town and harbour area will be the focal point for the gathering, with a concourse of gleaming and lovingly-tended machines, displays and stalls, plus rock 'n' roll from The Keytones and DJ Bill Guntrip.

The rally is expected to arrive at the harbour - via the A406, A13, M25, A2, M2 and A299 - at around midday.
It will raise funds for the Royal British Legion annual Poppy Appeal.

• For more news from the Thanet area, visit www.thanetextra.co.uk