Home / Crime and Justice / Southend Shakedown: 20,000 Bikers Descend on Coast
Southend Shakedown: 20,000 Bikers Descend on Coast
9 Apr
Summary
- An estimated 20,000 motorbikes participated in the annual seaside rally.
- Three arrests were made for offenses including drink-driving and public order.
- The Shakedown has been a tradition since the late 1990s, resuming in 2025.
Thousands of bikers descended upon the Essex seaside resort of Southend on Easter Monday for the annual Southend Shakedown. Local council estimates suggest approximately 20,000 motorbikes participated in the event, potentially marking one of the largest turnouts in recent years. Riders gathered at London's Ace Cafe before making their way to the coast.
The event, which has a history dating back to the late 1990s and resumed in 2025 after a three-year hiatus, was largely successful according to organizers and police. Essex Police confirmed three arrests were made for offenses including drink-driving, driving while disqualified, and public order offenses. Additionally, 48 Traffic Offence Reports were issued, and several motorcycles were impounded for offenses such as performing wheelies and burnouts.
