THE biggest bikers’ convention of the year in Oxfordshire is back after a year’s break.

Cassington Bike Night, which attracts about 8,000 motorcyclists, was cancelled in 2011 – the first time since 1978 – because of concerns over road safety.

Organisers cancelled last year’s event after they were told they would have to close a road the through the village but did not have time enough to sort the closure.

Now, with that closure organised, organisers are hoping record numbers will attend this year’s rally.

Bikers and their classic machines will gather around the Red Lion pub at the centre of the village on Monday from 4pm.

The event is usually run by the British Motorcycle Riders’ Club.

However this year it is being organised by the parent teacher association of St Peter’s Primary School, which usually benefits about £3,000 from the event.

Software director Martin Ritchie, 40, lives in Cassington with wife Angela, 40, and son James, five, who attends the primary school.

He said: “I’m chairman of the parent teacher association and the BMRC so I have been one of the main organisers.

“This is a traditional event for the village so we started the preparations early this year to make sure it would go ahead.

“Even when we held an unofficial event about 3,000 bikers turned up but now we will be back to full strength.

“The county council and West Oxfordshire District Council have bent over backwards to help with the road closure and West Oxfordshire District Council has waived the cost, which can come to about £1,500.

“We are aiming high to make up for the disappointment of last year so that visitors can see thousands of classic bikes, eat, drink and enjoy the unique atmosphere.”

Mr Ritchie added that bikers would be travelling from around the country, with the closure of the main road through the village running from 1pm until 11pm.

Motorbikes will be able to enter the village to park on the village green and in the school grounds, while car parking will be available near the road blocks.

Other community groups, including Cassington Sports and Social and Cassington Preschool Playgroup, also benefit from the fundraiser.

Marshals and event organisers are working with West Oxfordshire District Council to ensure all road diversions signs are in place to help guide traffic around the road closure.

The county council’s cabinet member for transport Rodney Rose added: “I think we were able to process the road closure in time last year but the organisers decided not to go ahead.

“With the large number of bikes coming to Cassington it’s sensible that there is a road closure on the day.

“It’s a good opportunity to get bike safety messages across to riders.”