Salvation Army Toy Run 2025 set to take place, from Bleasby to The Salvation Army church on Mead Way, Balderton to support annual toy appeal

Hundreds of bikers are expected to hit the roads this weekend as they deliver presents on the annual Salvation Army Christmas Toy Run.

Now in its 15th year, the toy run will take place on Sunday (December 1), and pass through towns and villages around the Newark area, including Southwell.

Every Christmas bikers put on a show by dressing up in a range of fun and festive outfits, and riding motorcycles decked out in Christmas decorations as they deliver toys to the Newark Salvation Army.

Organisers are hoping for around 200 participants in this year’s event, which will set off from the Waggon and Horses pub in Bleasby at 11am.

After setting off they will pass through Fiskerton on Station Road (estimated arrival 11.06am), before heading to Southwell along King Street (11.15am) where they will complete a lap of the town and briefly stop to pick up gift donations.

The charity riders will then set off again along Church Street (11.20am), head back to Fiskerton (11.30am), before reaching Rolleston (11.35am) where they will pause again.

Then comes the final stretch, passing through Averham (11.45am), following the A617 to Newark, heading through town, down London Road, and arriving at the Salvation Army church in Balderton by 12noon.

Organiser John Judson said: “When I look back, we started 15 years ago with only 17 motorcycles, but last year we had over 170.

“I’ve always been very impressed by all the support, and now when we put out the message we have people coming from all across the Midlands taking part.

“The Salvation Army supports hundreds of children from families where Christmas is going to be difficult, which makes our job that much more important.

“It’s also a chance to have fun and I love how over the top it is. People dress up, it’s a great laugh, and I love doing it because it brings people in the community together.”

This will also be John’s last year as the lead organiser as he hands over the reins, or the handlebars, to Mark Spindley.

Reflecting on his involvement over the years John said that it was the passion of the people that kept him coming back and plans to continue supporting the ride, albeit now from the back seat.

The Salvation Army is accepting donations of new unwrapped toys, or a financial gift, as part of their annual campaign, which can be dropped off at the church on Mead Way in Balderton.