Date set for 2024 Reading Toy Run

The annual Bikers’ Reading Toy Run is to return this December, spreading some Christmas cheer.

Participants dress up and decorate their motorbikes, creating a colourful spectacle on the streets of Shinfield, Winnersh and Wokingham as they head to High Close School.

There will be snowmen, Santas, reindeer, Minions and characters from Frozen.

Each biker is asked to bring a toy, game or gift that will be given to a Barnardo’s child to open on Christmas Day.

The event has a new starting point of the Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, and there is a new start time.

This change is because the old Foster Wheeler buildings have been closed ahead of building works.

This year’s toy run will see bikers gather from 11am in the car park near the Gateway Building, 1 Collegiate Square, Shinfield RG2 9LD. This is close to the entrance to Shinfield Studios and marshals will be on hand to offer assistance.

The ride out will start at 1pm on Sunday, December 1, 2024. This is an hour earlier than previous years.

Every year, thousands of bikers take part often coming from all over the country, and the streets are lined with spectators wanting to cheer them on and see the variety of outfits.

Last year, there were Smurfs, fuzzy monsters, and elves among the costumes.

Specialist bikes, including tricyles and Mod scooters, usually take part, to the delights of the crowds.

This is the 38^th time the toy run will have taken place. Previous years have seen riders get into the Guinness Book of Records for the largest toy run and, as the event is organised by Reading Christian Motorcyclists, been filmed for the BBC TV programme Songs of Praise.

Suggested items for donation include footballs, Lego sets, Bluetooth speakers, headphones and earphones, Lynx deodorants, perfume and pamper sets, Nerf guns, and gift vouchers for stores such as Argos, Primark and Amazon.

For those that want to donate, but can’t make the event, or don’t want to ride with gift, there are usually drop-off points set up ahead of the Reading Toy Run.

These venues have yet to be confirmed for 2024.

Full details for the event including the route, the drop-off points and additional information, will be published on the group’s website, www.readingtoyrun.org, or on its Facebook page.

The Reading Toy Run was founded by Ben Spiller, who died in 2021. The event continues in his memory.