THOUSANDS of charity fundraisers are expected to descend upon Harwich for the 17th annual Essex Motorcycle Run.

The event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Essex Air Ambulance.

The motorcycle extravaganza and family festival will take place on Harwich Green on September 11.

Registration is now open for bikers to take part in the event, which last year saw a record-breaking 5,000 motorcyclists raise £38,000 for the life-saving charity.

The ride starts at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Laindon near Basildon at 11am before the spectacular convoy of motorcyclists travel the 60 miles to Harwich, where crowds will welcome the bikers to the Harwich Family Festival.

Jen Wall, events manager for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust, said: “This charity ride-out is a highlight of the year for so many bikers who come from far afield to be part of this special occasion.

"We even have bikers who come from Holland to take part.

“The sight of so many motorbikes arriving in Harwich is amazing to see and it is one of the highlights of the Harwich Family Festival.

“We could not organise an event like this without our volunteers and sponsors, who work so hard to help us raise vital funds to keep our helicopters flying.”

Motorcycle stunt riders and stars of Britain’s Got Talent, Bolddog Freestyle Motocross display team, will entertain supporters at the start line with their death-defying stunts, jumping gaps of more than 75 feet and reaching heights of 35 feet.

Hundreds of spectators are expected to line the route to take in the impressive convoy making its way to north Essex.

The ride will end with the family festival, where there will be entertainment from local bands, a charity auction and family attractions.

John Bouknecht, of the Cafe Cruisers from Breda in Holland, enjoys taking part with his friends every year.

“The crowd and the air ambulance charity make this event really special," he said.

"We have friends in Harwich and we love to come here every year.”

Jamie Carrington of Mistley is a biker and took his son, Elias, four, along to the Harwich Family Festival last year.

“My boy loves seeing all the bikes and we love to support the local air ambulance,” he said.

Essex Air Ambulance Motorcycle Run pre-registration costs £7 per biker and £13 for a rider and pillion before September 4.

To register for the event, which is being sponsored by the Woodland Group, go to essexairambulance.uk.com or call 0345 2417 690.