THOUSANDS of bikers from all over the country converged on Ipswich yesterday for the 17th Copdock Motorcycle Show.

Lizzie Parry

THOUSANDS of bikers from all over the country converged on Ipswich yesterday for the 17th Copdock Motorcycle Show.

Around 7000 people braved the wet conditions to enjoy the largest one day motorcycle show of its kind in East Anglia at Trinity Park.

Adrian Smith, a spokesman for the Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club, organisers of the event said everyone enjoyed the show and stunts kept coming despite the weather.

“It is really wet but really well supported,” he said. “The stunt riders are doing what they can, obviously some of the displays have had to be modified slightly with some stunts scaled down a little, but the show is going on.

“The support has been magnificent, a great turn out considering the weather. There are a lot of very wet people here enjoying themselves.”

Biking enthusiasts at the Suffolk Showground were treated to world class displays, including one of Hollywood's best stunt riders.

Jean-Pierre Goy, performing at the show for the third year running, was recently seen on the big screen in the new Batman movie, the Dark Knight.

He stepped into the shoes of actor Christian Bale to perform the dare devil stunts on the two wheeled bat pod.

Mr Smith added: “Jean-Pierre's display went ahead. What makes him so special is the fact he loves to thrill the crowds, the more they enjoy his amazing skills the more he enjoys performing the tricks. His shows are always a must see.”

Another highlight of the show this year was the Lings Bolddog Freestyle Team, performing their display, including a backflip.

Mr Smith said: “The backflip is one of those tricks that you would only expect to see on the Extreme Channel, it involves a 360 backwards rotation in mid air on the motorcycle.”

The family show incorporated attractions for all ages and interests, with over one hundred trade stands including a large auto-jumble and a range of food stalls as well as the Beer tent.

Live music, moto-ball where two teams play football on motorbikes, a motorcycle safety display as well as a speedway competition entertained the crowds.

This year proceeds from the show are to be donated to several local charities including the East Anglian air ambulance, East Anglia's Children's Hospices and the Ipswich Hospital cancer ward.