Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK - 28 March 2016.Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK - 28 March 2016. The 'Southend Shakedown' is the first mass meeting of motorcyclists along the promenade of the Essex seaside town on the Easter Monday bank holiday, traditionally the first outing of the year - hence 'Shakedown'. This, the eighteenth year of the event, almost didn't go ahead due to the organisers requesting £4k by the police for attending. Local traders came forward to pay the fee to secure the event. Despite the bad weather of Storm Katie many thousands of bikers still made the journey

Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK - The last Official Shakedown from 28th March 2016. The 'Southend Shakedown' was traditionally the first mass meeting of motorcyclists along the promenade of the Essex seaside town on the Easter Monday bank holiday, traditionally the first outing of the year - hence 'Shakedown'. This year Ace Cafe is no longer supporting the event. Last year Southend Borough Council and Essex Police demanded over £4k for the organisers to hold the event.  Local traders came forward to pay the fee.  This year nobody is organising the event so that nobody is liable for a fee!  Many bikers are still expected to ride out to Southend-on-Sea with Essex Police deploying to the Seafront to ensure everyone has a safe day out.