HOPE is on the horizon for a popular motorbike event hosted in Southampton.

Last month, organisers at Southampton Bike Night announced they would cease all meets.

The team thanked their supporters and described the end as a "personal decision".

But now, Southampton City Council has said it is "always open" to experienced organisers coming forward and potentially saving the event.

Southampton Bike Night was hosted at the Bargate on a Thursday evening for eight years.

The event attracted hundreds of motorcyclists of all ages and genders, with the summer months seeing the city centre filled with bikers and spectators.

The news was branded "terrible" by many Southampton residents and bikers. 

One Daily Echo reader said: "Every time I came to Southampton, my mum and I used to love seeing the bikes. Such sad news to hear this."

Another added: "Very sad but I would thank all the volunteers for their support over the years. 

"It takes a lot of time and effort to make this event. Totally enjoyed it over the years."

On December 23, organisers took to Facebook to announce the end of the meets "with immediate effect".

They said: "It is with regret that the personal decision has been made to end the Southampton Bike Night meets, including the annual new years day meet with immediate effect.

"There will be no new years day meet or season restart in 2023.

"We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our sponsors over the past years who have enabled the facilitation of the event, and all the weekly turn out of support."

Southampton City Council has confirmed that it had no part in the decision to end the event.

Councillor Lorna Fielker, cabinet member for health, adults and leisure, said: "Southampton City Council is aware that Southampton Bike Night will not be continuing due to personal reasons and the council respects this decision.

"The council had no part in the decision to stop the event and had worked closely with the organisers since the activity started eight years ago.

"The council is always open to approaches by organisers of events by experienced organisers."

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