Stormin’ The Castle is organized by a dedicated group of bikers, many of whom are seasoned veterans of the bike scene and have been rally-goers for 30+ years. The event is coordinated by a team of ten passionate volunteers, each from diverse backgrounds, who come together annually in December to plan the rally, which takes place on the weekend following the August Bank Holiday.
None of the committee members receive any form of payment or compensation for their time, even though many contribute one or two weeks of their annual leave to help set up and dismantle the event. Stormin’ operates without offices or paid staff, and committee meetings are held in the comfort of volunteers’ homes.
Stormin’ The Castle Ltd is a company registered with Companies House. Established to protect the organizers from financial liability in case of a significant loss, the company ensures that any profits from the rally are donated to the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), which uses the funds to support its campaigns against anti-motorcycle legislation, such as compulsory day-glo clothing, anti-tampering laws, and ULEZ.
The rally’s origins date back to 1991, when a group of North East MAG members wanted to raise money for MAG while hosting a fantastic party for bikers, regardless of whether they were MAG members. While Stormin’ is no longer directly run by MAG, the spirit of the event has remained intact, with a group of bikers continuing to organize it in the same tradition.
When Stormin’ The Castle Ltd was formed, it was written into the Memorandum of Association that no portion of the company’s income would be paid to members or board members. As a result, the event is fully volunteer-run, with all profits going towards supporting MAG’s efforts.
Beyond the organizing committee, over 100 volunteers each year contribute their time and effort to help set up, run, and take down the event. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of the rally, and their hard work ensures its success. Attendees are encouraged to treat volunteers with respect and appreciation—whether by offering a friendly wave as they leave or simply acknowledging their contributions.
When asked why they continue to volunteer year after year, committee members often share the same sentiment: they love the event and want to see it continue. Many also appreciate the camaraderie that comes with attending other rallies, and recognize that without volunteers, the rally scene wouldn’t exist. There’s a unique sense of pride in transforming an empty field into a lively temporary community and witnessing bikers come together for a weekend of fun. While taking down the event can be a chore, the satisfaction of seeing the rally come together year after year is what keeps everyone coming back.
More here: https://www.storminthecastle.co.uk/
