Christmas is coming early — but this time it is arriving on roaring engines rather than reindeer hooves, as a convoy of festive bikers prepares to bring seasonal cheer to the height of summer.
Hundreds of riders dressed as Santa Claus are set to take part in the Santas on a Bike Summer Cruise, a charity motorbike ride raising money for Children’s Hospice South West.
The event will take place on Sunday, June 28, with participants travelling from Asda Taunton to Little Bridge House Hospice in Fremington.
Along the route, the convoy will stop at South Molton Town Square at 12.15pm as part of the South Molton Mayor’s fundraiser for the charity. Visitors will be able to meet the riders and see their decorated bikes, with entertainment and refreshments also planned.
Further activities will take place in the South Molton Pannier Market, including family entertainment, an outdoor market and a summer car boot sale.
The riders are then expected to parade through the pannier market at 1.30pm before setting off on the final leg of their journey to the hospice, where they will greet children and continue fundraising efforts.
Organisers say the event is a regular stop on their charity rides across Devon and Somerset, with all donations going directly to Children’s Hospice South West.
The group has previously attracted large turnouts. At a Christmas event in 2025, more than 270 motorbikes and over 300 riders dressed as Santas, elves and reindeer took part.
All types of bikes, trikes and quads are welcome to join the ride, and the route is suitable for L-plate riders.
More information can be found at www.santasonabike.org.uk, while updates are also available via the Summer Santa Cruise Facebook page.
