Hundreds of Hells Angels motorcyclists from across the UK and Ireland have revved into South Wales for the club’s annual convention.
Clusters of gleaming motorcycles were parked on the site under Leckwith Bridge, as groups of burly bikers set up marquees and tents.
Concerns had been raised by some businesses after South Wales Police allegedly warned them to secure their properties ahead of the biker bash – a claim denied by officers.
But the Hells Angels have dismissed the concerns, saying traders and their businesses are not at risk.
The group’s UK spokesman said police officers and Vale of Glamorgan council officials surveyed the site yesterday and were “happy” with the event.
The motorcyclist, nicknamed “Echo”, said: “There will be some music, food and brothers just enjoying each other’s company. This is the one time of the year where everyone is able to get out together.”
The Cardiff faction of the Welsh Hells Angels has been heavily involved in planning the event, which took about six months to organise.
Echo, who is involved in the Cardiff club, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to organise a big party for all our brothers. There’s a lot of hard work, but that’s what we do.”
Officers allegedly called at the Leckwith Quay trading estate, which holds about 20 small businesses, on Tuesday to inform workers of the Hells Angels gathering.
One business owner on the Leckwith site said South Wales Police told them there would only be two officers available to police the Leckwith event over the entire weekend.
Vale of Glamorgan council said earlier this week that it had not received any licensing applications or notices for an event this weekend at the Leckwith Business Hub.
The Hells Angels spokesman said he was unaware of any licensing issues with holding the private event on the rented site.
He said: “The police were here. They are happy were everything and so is the council – so it’s party on.
“We know how to organise a party. We do this every year so we are well-versed in arranging these things. As far as we’re concerned we just want people to leave us alone and allow us to have a good time.”
The bikers plan to ride over to Porthcawl today before heading back to their camp site.
The club also hopes to raise some money for charity by holding a bucket collection.
Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/06/30/hells-angels-arrive-in-cardiff-for-annual-convention-91466-31290212/#ixzz1zEZkqfwG
Clusters of gleaming motorcycles were parked on the site under Leckwith Bridge, as groups of burly bikers set up marquees and tents.
Concerns had been raised by some businesses after South Wales Police allegedly warned them to secure their properties ahead of the biker bash – a claim denied by officers.
Some traders had said they planned to hire private security costing thousands of pounds to help protect their properties over the weekend.
But the Hells Angels have dismissed the concerns, saying traders and their businesses are not at risk.
The group’s UK spokesman said police officers and Vale of Glamorgan council officials surveyed the site yesterday and were “happy” with the event.
The motorcyclist, nicknamed “Echo”, said: “There will be some music, food and brothers just enjoying each other’s company. This is the one time of the year where everyone is able to get out together.”
The Cardiff faction of the Welsh Hells Angels has been heavily involved in planning the event, which took about six months to organise.
Echo, who is involved in the Cardiff club, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to organise a big party for all our brothers. There’s a lot of hard work, but that’s what we do.”
Officers allegedly called at the Leckwith Quay trading estate, which holds about 20 small businesses, on Tuesday to inform workers of the Hells Angels gathering.
One business owner on the Leckwith site said South Wales Police told them there would only be two officers available to police the Leckwith event over the entire weekend.
Vale of Glamorgan council said earlier this week that it had not received any licensing applications or notices for an event this weekend at the Leckwith Business Hub.
The Hells Angels spokesman said he was unaware of any licensing issues with holding the private event on the rented site.
He said: “The police were here. They are happy were everything and so is the council – so it’s party on.
“We know how to organise a party. We do this every year so we are well-versed in arranging these things. As far as we’re concerned we just want people to leave us alone and allow us to have a good time.”
The bikers plan to ride over to Porthcawl today before heading back to their camp site.
The club also hopes to raise some money for charity by holding a bucket collection.
Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/06/30/hells-angels-arrive-in-cardiff-for-annual-convention-91466-31290212/#ixzz1zEZkqfwG