Read the Toy Run road closures as the annual motorcycle event returns
The Reading Toy Run is back and sees a convoy of motorcycles travel from Reading to Wokingham to deliver gifts to the children.
The annual event will take place on Sunday, December 5 to benefit Barnardo’s and other children’s charities.
This year will mark the 35th anniversary of the Toy Run which benefited “countless” children at Christmas with toys and gifts brought by bikers.
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Bikers are expected to wear festive Christmas clothing with motorcyclists in recent years spotted dressed as Santa Claus, reindeer, and Kylo Ren from Star Wars.
Earlier this year, tributes were paid to Reading Toy Run organizer Ben Spiller, who left a “huge legacy” after his passing.
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Which roads will be closed?
The Christmas event normally sees thousands of bikers delivering gifts to Barnardo’s High Close in Wokingham, ready for Christmas Day.
The event is organized by Reading Christian Motorcyclists and other motorcycle clubs participate.
Organizers say delays could occur between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., as roads will be closed on the route as bikes pass.
Roads affected will be Whitley Wood Lane, Lower Earley Way between Black Boy Roundabout and Showcase Cinema.
Other closures include the A329 Reading Road between Showcase and Shute End and Rectory Road and Wiltshire Road to High Close School.
The closures will also affect traffic on adjacent roads.
Spectators are usually seen lining the roads to cheer on the drivers, and organizers say it would be “great” if you could take the time to watch them along the route.
However, they add that there will be no bucket collection along the route this year due to Covid-19, and say you can donate on a Just Giving page.
Denis Denmead, one of the organizers, said he noticed that some of the spectators gathered in front of their properties along the course each year and that they had “even seen a barbecue or two”.
Mr Denmead said: “Even some of the pubs along the route have a Toy Run day every year where all the same spectators get together for a beer and a chat outside the pub. As you can see, this ‘has become an annual tradition not only for the bikers but also for the spectators. It’s a very unusual procession of Christmas characters and a great sight to watch. “
He added that “for most of these children, the gifts they receive from donations from the Toy Runners make their Christmas really special and are probably all they will receive.”
The organizers also want to thank motorists for their patience and apologize for the delays.
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