Adventure biking legend Charley Boorman has released a new YouTube video from the ABR Festival, taking viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of the UK’s biggest adventure motorcycling event. But before signing off, the Long Way Round star found himself playing an unexpected role, giving away a bride during a surprise wedding on the festival’s Ducati Stage.
Filmed during this year’s event at Ragley Hall, the 10-minute video follows Charley as he explores the festival, meeting exhibitors, chatting with visitors, and catching up with many of the people, brands, and tour companies he’s worked with throughout his career.
Charley joins the happy couple during the ceremony on the Ducati Stage.
As he wanders around the magnificent grounds of the Ragley Hall Estate, Charley visits exhibitors including Touratech, Quad Lock, Compass Expeditions, Cool Covers, and Biker BnB, while also taking time to admire a classic Honda XL250 that reminds him of the motorcycle that first inspired his love of adventure riding as a child.
The video also captures the atmosphere that has made the ABR Festival the greatest highlight of the motorcycling calendar. Alongside the hundreds of exhibitors and test rides, Charley enjoys the live music, bars, restaurants, and camping (with posh toilets and hot showers) that all helped make the 2027 festival the greatest celebration of adventure biking ever held.
The festival was a great chance to meet motorcycling superstars.
Throughout the day he’s stopped by countless people keen to say hello, with several explaining how Long Way Round and his later adventures inspired them to ride through destinations including India, Mongolia, Africa, and South America.
The video finishes with Charley’s appearance on the festival’s Ducati Stage alongside host Billy Ward, before an unexpected highlight sees adventure bikers Steve and Michelle Edwards get married immediately after the talk. And Charley had the honour of giving the bride away.
Steve and Michelle outside Ragley Hall
“I’ve never done that before,” laughs Charley. “That has absolutely made my day.”
Reflecting on how much the festival has grown since his first visit, Charley says: “You can come here and try all the different bikes. You can listen to us on stage. There are bands, the whole lot. It’s just brilliant.”
He finishes the video with a simple invitation to riders who haven’t yet experienced the festival for themselves:
“Come along next year. It’ll be great fun.”
Time for a quick selfie before taking to the stage.
Early Bird tickets for the ABR Festival 2027 are on sale now and for a limited time only, saving you £50 on a full price weekend ticket. But don’t hang around, because they sell out quickly every year.
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