Popular Piazza Italia display cancelled

The Ducati Owners Club GB was scheduled to return to the festival with its popular Italian bike ride and display on Good Friday.

Horsham District Council said it had taken a recent health and safety review of the event, stating new ‘display options’ needed to be adopted for this year’s ride.

A council spokesman continued: “Having discussed the revised options, Ducati Owners Club GB informed the council’s Piazza Italia Events Management team that they wished to take a break from organising the bikes displays for 2017.”

The council confirmed it had not been able to find a replacement and the event had been cancelled.

“The team are hopeful that an agreement can be made for the organisation of motorbike participation for 2018 and beyond,” the spokesman added.

A post on the Piazza Italia Facebook page said Good Friday will feature Ferraris and The Italian Job minis, which have been a big hit on previous Piazza Saturdays.

Alternative bikes displays are also planned for the festival including static bikes and Italian scooters on Easter Monday.

The post concludes: “The team thanks the Ducati Owners Club team @motoridimarino P&H Motorcycles Ltd and all of our Italian bike enthusiasts for their past event support and participation.”

What do you think? Will you miss the display? Comment below or send your views to [email protected]

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