Europe’s premier bikers’ event revs up for a Thursday start as Faro prepares for the 33rd International Motorcycle Festival, expecting to welcome at least 20,000 revellers to the Vale das Almas venue.
The 24-hour bar service should be well used if the scheduled hot weather continues as the crowds are entertained by street and performance artists.
If any bikers have spare space, tattoos can be etched and guests can wander around the bike-related exhibition area.
The Moto Clube de Faro organises the event which is known throughout Europe. It attracted over 30,000 people before the recession hit even the biking scene, despite ticket prices pitched at near break-even levels.
Clube president José Amaro said that many participants are now coming in by air as the event can be reached easily on foot from Faro airport and ticket prices are cheaper than driving a large bike from northern Europe and back again.
This year the headline acts on Saturday are from Steve Harris, the Iron Maiden guitarist, who will be accompanied by British Lion, and home-grown band Moonspell.
Kalú, the Xutos e Pontapés drummer, the Spanish band Los Inhumanos, and Mu are playing on Friday.
The Sunday bike procession through Faro will go ahead as planned and any funds raised from the event will go to local charities.
In the past, surplus funds have bought a vehicle to take people to the local Red Cross, two bikes for the local firefighters, an ambulance and defibrillators, among other donations.
The event is good natured and appreciates minimal police interference. In fact the only voilent incident in recent years was when an undercover policeman was easily identified and scuffles broke out.
