Shane “Shakey” Byrne will headline the Lord of Lydden on October 24-25, when the event celebrates its 60th anniversary at Lydden Hill. The six-time British Superbike champion already has a strong connection with the meeting: he won it in 1997, during his first full year of short-circuit racing. His career also includes a World Superbike race victory and a spell as a factory MotoGP rider.

Byrne is scheduled for talks and autograph sessions, with a parade lap also under consideration. He has recalled Lydden Hill as the first place where he rode a road-racing motorcycle, giving the anniversary weekend a direct link to the early stages of his career. His role adds a current racing personality to an event built around the circuit’s long history.

On track, the programme will feature the Lord of Lydden trophy race, several solo classes and the Sidecar Burn Up. The prize fund totals £6000. A three-hour endurance race is also planned in collaboration with No Limits, with teams of two to four riders competing on 600cc and 1000cc motorcycles. Noise restrictions will not apply during the weekend.

Racing history beyond the main programme

The first Lord of Lydden was held in 1966, with Charlie Sanby taking the win. The event was interrupted from 2010 to 2017 before being revived by a committee of passionate racing fans. It is now the only motorcycle racing event at the circuit organised directly by the venue. Circuit Managing Director Hannah Bennett describes it as one of her favourite events, highlighting its distinctive atmosphere and history.

The weekend will also feature classic motorcycle displays, trade stands and live music on Saturday evening. Tom Ward, an Endurance World Championship rider, is returning with the opportunity to become the first competitor to win the event five times. Weekend tickets are priced at £35, while children aged 13 and under can attend free of charge.