Hills, Thrills and Bellyfuls
Welcome to Northern Grip 2017. This year we take the fun on tour. Not far, in fact just over the hill to discover a whole new side of Northern trails and culture. Last year’s inaugural event was amazing but we don’t just want to do the same thing again. So we’re taking all the great stuff from last year’s festival, making it bigger, better and bolder. This year we land in Lee Quarry and Stubbylee Park, Rossendale
Location
Our festival hub will be in the amazing Stubbylee Park - nestled at the foot of Lee Quarry this hidden northern gem of a Victorian park offers stunning spaces, woodland, cafe and perhaps most importantly an easy gateway to the thrills and rides we’ve got planned for the day. We’ll be taking over the rear of the park for the weekend bringing plenty of festival treats to add to the recently opened pump track.
There’ll be tons of parking available just 2 minutes away at Futures Park if you’re driving in.
We’ll also have our pop up satellite hub up in the Quarry itself, as well as some exciting and top-secret happenings to explore.
Camping
We’re excited to announce that we will now have camping available ON SITE in Stubbylee Park for both Friday and Saturday nights. This means you’ll be right at the heart of the action, with just a short stroll back to your bed when the party winds down.We’ll also have showers and security for the campsite for the weekend and a secure bike park to lock up your pride and joy. Camping tickets are now available for just £15 per person per night, or £25 for the weekend.
Demo Bikes Klaxon
We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Specialized Bicycles, Orange Bikes, Yeti, Ison, Haibikes and Sonder Bikes are all bringing their shiny new toys for your demoing pleasure.
Music, Dancing
Everybody relax, because yes indeed, we have managed to secure the services of the awesome Mr Wilson's Second Liners again! Anyone who saw them last year will know these guys will bring the house down.
Joining them will be the James/Kooks/Catfish inspired Manchester / Preston alliance of Saytr Play who music website Emerging North called ‘“The best thing to leave Preston since Freddie Flintoff!”. Keep watching for more band announcements.
Manchester’s legendary Funkademia club night is again providing the grooves to keep us dancing into the night, with Gareth Brooks of Hula Bar and XFM fame to start the party.
Food & Drink - Bunny Hop is Back
Food and drink will be available all day in the festival hub where you can sample our very own Northern Grip Bunny Hop ale brewed exclusively for the festival by Helmshore craft brewery Northern Whisper as well as a wide range of food to keep you fueled. Details of food vendors to come.
Tons of Other Stuff
Throughout the day our exhibitors will be available in the hub and will be running competitions and special offers for you all. We already have Leisure Lakes Bikes, Specialized, Orange, Haibike, Alpkit & Sonder Bikes Burgtec, Team JMC, TrailMaps.co.uk, Olfi and Shack Wrap booked – we’ll have more to announce soon. Like last year, we’ll also have a couple of Q&A sessions with industry heroes thrown in to give you a break from the riding.
Also look out for the Dirt Factory - Indoor Bike Park jump bag as well as discounted coaching sessions from WeRide that you can sign up for now.
So what’s the plan?
It’s pretty straightforward. But here you go..
Friday Night – come down to join us for our opening party on site.
Saturday – Our Festival Hub and Satellite Pop Up will be open all day to wristband holders, with demo bikes, food, drink, music and riding on our waymarked trails all day.
Saturday Night – we’re staying on site and will keep you entertained with the bar open, DJs and dancing until late.
Sunday Morning – it’s big breakfast time, then a monster group ride exploring the amazing Rossendale trails Beyond The Quarries.