Not all superheroes wear capes...

SOME WEAR HELMETS AND BIKE LEATHERS!

Be a hero and join the welcoming party at Wickham Park from 10am on Sunday 2nd December and be among the first to greet the thousands of bikes bearing gifts for kids in need!

Toy Run Superhero - Image by Stewart Hazell

The Toy Run is an extraordinary festive season favourite that has been running for over 40 years and is designed for the whole community to enjoy. From 10am to 1:30pm on Sunday 2nd December, Wickham Park will come alive with Christmas cheer. Santa and his reindeer will roar in on a motorised sleigh and the best-decorated bikes of the day will be on display for viewing and public voting. Plus, one lucky ticket holder could take home a new bike just in time for Christmas in our massive Toy Run Raffle.

Inspired by the number of incredible costumes last year and our community’s commitment to help one another, 2018 will be themed as the ‘Superheroes Edition’. While the best-decorated bikes will enjoy prizes such as a meet and greet with Live at the Foreshore rock legends and motorcycle accessory gift vouchers, families are encouraged to get into the spirit of the day and dress up too – either in Christmas fare or their favourite superhero costumes – for a chance to win tickets to Disney on Ice and a professional family photoshoot.

“Newcastle City Council is proud to be a long time supporter of this heart-warming event. We admire the work that the Bikers for Kids committee do and we encourage everyone to come along to Wickham Park for what is going to be a truly spectacular Christmas Fundraising Event again this year,” said Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

You don't need to ride to take part in all of the fun!

The park will also be filled with amusement rides, food trucks, prizes, market stalls, friendly superheros roaming the grounds, plenty of entertainment and a whole football oval full of decorated motorcycles to admire.

The main stage will be pumping live music throughout the day with the Wickham Park Hotel coming on board to present acts such Australian music legend Grant Walmsley’s GW Freebird Blues Band and local funk outfit Sneaky Freakers, with more bands to be announced shortly.

A giant tug'o'war will pit teams against each other in a test of strength and tenacity, while face-painting, fairy floss, Santa photos and splash zone will provide hours of activities for kids. Join the colouring in competition for a chance to win a prize pack from Art Mania Studios.

Classic and vintage bikes will be on display, along with a selection of McCarroll's Automotive Group’s most striking, dynamic and assertive cars on show. There will also be pop up stalls from the likes of Brisans, Shannons and Sol Invictus to keep the adrenaline enthusiasts happy.

Plentiful food options will be available for the hungry masses, with everything from breakfast goods, coffee and sweet treats to tasty lunch options. Expect to choose from gourmet BBQs, pulled pork sliders, Greek kitchen favourites, dumplings, noodles and more. Try a delicious Bavarian style Bratwurst or simply get into the carnival spirit with an old fashioned dagwood dog.

One lucky person will also be riding away with the ultimate Christmas gift worth $5,998 when a brand new black & white lams approved Nemesis XY 400 motorcycle is drawn on the main stage. Only 2,500 tickets are available and at just $5 a pop they won’t last long. Purchase yours on the Newcastle Toy Run website, in store at Sol Invictus Motorcycle Co or before 1pm on the day of the event.

A massive donation point will be designated for new and unwrapped toys, with Salvation Army mascot “Shieldy” roving the park and greeting guests. Toys and all cash collected on the day will be donated to the Salvos’ local Christmas Appeal, bringing joy into the lives of countless families in need in the Hunter Region.

Salvation Army Newcastle Corps Officer, Major Christine Martin said the Salvos and the wider Hunter community are blessed to be the beneficiaries of the Bikers For Kids Toy Run.

"Last Christmas The Salvation Army in the Hunter region received an unprecedented number of applications for assistance with 4130 families registering for gift and food support. The need in this region is great throughout the year but it's especially prevalent at Christmas time when families feel the combined pinch of Christmas celebrations and school holidays.

"The Bikers For Kids Toy Run helps us meet the need at Christmas and together, we can ensure little ones wake to treasures under the tree and food on the table," said Major Martin.

No Christmas celebration would be complete without Santa, who will be there with his sleigh set up for photos.

Be a Christmas hero and join the cause to support local families in need!