After years of uncertainty, the iconic seafront motorcycle event will return in 2025, thanks to an events funding boost from Southend City Council. The event will be organised once again by the founders – Ace Cafe London! Full event details are below in this article.
The council confirmed an investment of £100,000 in its 2025/26 budget to support the return of this iconic event, which has long been a highlight for bikers and visitors alike.
A much-anticipated revival
The Southend Shakedown, known for bringing thousands of motorcyclists and enthusiasts to the seafront, had faced several years of disruption due to financial constraints, increased security demands, and a lack of organisers willing to take on the challenge.
However, the new funding package means that the event will now go ahead, with bikers set to roll back into the city. The event will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 21 April 2025.
The return was officially announced by council leader Daniel Cowan at a full council meeting on Thursday, 20 February. He confirmed that Shakedown will once again be able to take place, saying:
“Shakedown will come back and be supported in Southend. We want to support our tourist industry and the jobs that are linked to it, so we are increasing the events budget to boost events and tourism, generating income for businesses in the city. Our aim is to make Southend a destination that its seven million annual visitors want to return to time and again.”
A boost for tourism and local businesses
The Southend Shakedown has long been a major draw for motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country, traditionally marking the start of the biking season. The event typically sees thousands of riders cruising down Western Esplanade, creating a spectacular sight along the seafront. Visitors can expect an electric atmosphere, with live entertainment, stalls, and local businesses welcoming the influx of tourists.
For many seafront businesses, the Shakedown provides a crucial boost in revenue. The return of the event is expected to inject fresh energy into the city’s hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors, with restaurants, cafes, and shops set to benefit from the increased footfall.
What to expect at the 2025 Southend Shakedown
Attendees can anticipate a mix of classic and modern bikes on display, as well as a festival-like atmosphere along the seafront. With Southend City Council helping to ensure its success, this year’s Shakedown could be one of the biggest and best yet.
Biking enthusiasts and locals alike are encouraged to mark their calendars for Monday, 21 April 2025, when the Southend Shakedown roars back to life.
The event will be free to enter and will once again be taking place on Southend seafront, in the central seafront area.
The event will run from 9am to 5pm on Easter Bank Holiday Monday. The city seafront area will be closed to traffic except for motorbikes.
There will be motorcycle trade stands on the seafront, along with live music from Noon with DJ Jimmy Guntrip and the band Drugstore Cowboys.
In normal tradition, a ride-out will be taking place from the Ace Cafe London which is on Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD.
Bikers will depart Ace Cafe at 10:30am and follow the route A406, A12, A127 into Southend.
To enable the Shakedown to take place, a section of Marine Parade will be closed to traffic between Three Shells and The Kursaal. Alternative access to Hartington Road and Pleasant Road will be maintained for residents, businesses and emergency services. Traffic management operatives will be stationed at closure points to assist.
The motorcycle entrance to the display area will be by the Kursaal, and the exit will be at the end of the road closure on Western Esplanade.
A team of trained marshals and volunteers from Ace Cafe will be ensuring the event runs smoothly and safely.
Local residents and visitors should expect heavy traffic in Southend over the Bank Holiday weekend. Visitors are encouraged to use city centre car parks, as seafront car parks will fill up fast.
People attending are asked to not park any vehicle on the pavements or block the footways and emergency routes.
A council committed to safe events
Councillor Matt Dent, cabinet member for culture, tourism and business, said: “We are proud the city is hosting another weekend of events that residents and visitors to Southend can enjoy. Shakedown is a much-loved event, we said we’d bring it back, and we have.
“ACE Café London have worked closely with us and partners to follow all the right planning and safety steps, and we’re confident this strikes the right balance between safety and a great visitor experience.
“This is about creating experiences people want to return to. We’ll keep listening, keep learning, and do everything we can to ensure the event has a positive future.”
Photos by Dave Jackson.