London MCN Motorcycle Show AXED for 2026
After decades of operation in the UK, the London MCN Motorcycle Show will not return for 2026.
In a not-so shocking announcement via their social media platforms, MCN announced that the show would not be returning for 2026 after a host of contributing factors making the show unattainable.
The show has been in the capital for over a decade, marking it a staple in the British biker scene calendar alongside Motorcycle Live which is held at the NEC in November.
From British Dealer News, Gareth Ashman, Bauer’s Group Commercial Director confirmed the move came after the unbeknown to the public, the final show (which marked MCN’s 70th anniversary) and described it as a “really tough decision.” He added that amongst other elements, it had become harder for some brands to justify the cost of putting out a stand.
“Rising costs mean it would be impossible to continue the event without increasing the price significantly for visitors, or damaging the format of the show.” – MCN
The show had been under scrutiny for a few years, with the world of online e-commerce rising and large motorcycle accessory outlets able to throw a sale on at any given time. Whereas, the show was always known for motorcycle enthusiasts to grab a bargain – hoping to get some of whatever exhibitors were selling off to make room for new stock. A healthy sign of the new world we live in but one that many previous attendees assign with shows of this nature.
The numbers and attendance figures over the last few years have decreased year on year, with attendees marking the event as too expensive for what was there. SuperBike did some exhibiter research at the show and it seems the rising cost to book even a ‘small’ stand had surpassed the usual quarterly marketing budget – with knowledge they’d see little/no return given the low attendance figures.
It brings Motorcycle Live into the spotlight to be the UK’s sole Motorcycle show, held across various halls at the famous Birmingham NEC. Motorcycle Live is also presenting its new rebrand for 2026, after following attendee guidance and feedback they made some huge changes for 2024. This included a live-action FMX team, various stages, various food stall choices and more. You were also to visit nearly all of the household manufacturer names and more.
The end of an era for our friends over at Bauer, but many happy years spent at their famous London Motorcycle Show and we wish them the best of luck going forward.
Images courtesy of MCN