Thousands of bikers from across Britain and Europe parked up in Suffolk for the annual Copdock Motorcycle Show.

Now in its 22nd year, the exhibition of vintage motorcycles has been described as, “the region’s largest and best loved classic bike show”.

It certainly lived up to that reputation yesterday, with the roads to Trinity Park on the outskirts of Ipswich packed with show-goers.

The main attraction was legend of the track and four-time World Superbike winner Carl Fogarty, who spoke about his experiences of racing.

Fogarty’s gutsy and aggressive style also helped him to win eight world crowns.

Growing up in a racing family and under the influence of his road racing father, “Foggy” rode bikes from an early age in the fields outside his home in Blackburn, making his competitive debut at the age of 14.

Another massive draw for the show was renowned stunt rider Kevin Carmichael, known for his unique riding style and tricks which have been adopted by professional stunt riders around the world.

Carmichael was the first person to wheelie a superbike with no front wheels or forks and even managed to achieve this stunt with a passenger.

Death defying antics also took place on Ken Fox’s Wall of Death, a giant vertical circular wall on which riders perform stunts 18ft off the ground.

Spectators were even treated to a display of Moto-ball, a sport developed by British army dispatch riders after the First World War.

Organising committee member Adrian Smith said the feedback he had received had been “fantastic”.

He said: “This was the 22nd year we have put on the show and half have been at Trinity Park since we moved from Copdock playing field. We were blessed with the weather and, as far as I can see, it was a record attendance.

“It did create a bit of gridlock in the town and around the area, but that was more to do with so many people wanting to attend – the gates were flowing at all times.”

He said the 100 trade stands had all been busy and there had been huge interest from people wanting to meet and get autographs from motorbike stars Fogarty, Dave Bickers and John Reynolds, while stunt rider Carmichael had also proved very popular.

He added: “The feedback from everybody leaving was that apart from the problems with the roads, the show was fantastic.”

Altogether more than 150 motorcycles from 50 manufacturers were on show in the Trinity exhibition hall with bike ages ranging from 1915 to the present day.