Riding into a New Year

Santas on motorcycles for as far as the eye can see! Drone photo by Adam Nichols

Riding through the ‘snow’ - photo by Karolina Andreasova

The first edition of Molton Monthly Magazine for 2026 has now gone to print, and will start to be delivered from December 23rd until the end of the month. The top story for the January issue is the Santas on Bikes ride-out for Children’s Hospice South West - a fantastic spectacle and a truly special event.

South Molton got all revved up to welcome more than 270 Santas on motorcycles, even pumping out ‘snow’ for them to ride through as they passed the town’s Pannier Market.

The annual ‘Santas on Bikes’ event on December 13th attracted motorcyclists from across the South West as they rode 70 miles from Taunton, through Tiverton, South Molton, Filleigh and Swimbridge, ending at Little Bridge House children’s hospice in Fremington.

The cavalcade of bikers has raised more than £4,500 so far for Children’s Hospice South West, and their visit also brings much needed Christmas cheer to young people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Organiser Paul Lynham said, “A massive thank you to all the riders, volunteers and sponsors who help make this happen.”

Hospice fundraiser Debbie Birtwistle added, “It was fantastic to see South Molton fill with Santas, the roar of their engines announcing their arrival. With the weather being bright, there was a great welcome of smiling faces to greet them, with the added touch of some snow falling from the Town Hall roof!”

“Great thanks as always go out to our committed bikers who go all out with their outfits and decorating their bikes for the occasion - they really do make this event a special date in our calendar.”