Crowds of leather-clad riders will motor into Calne this weekend for the town’s annual bike meet.

The meet – organised by a committee of bikers and residents – is expected to attract about 5,000 fans and families.

The gathering begins at Beversbrook Farm on Friday, with camping, bands, a beer tent and food stalls.

Then, at 9am on Saturday, campers will begin heading to the town centre, with the majority leaving at about 10am for the main day of festivities.

Bike enthusiasts can visit stalls selling goods including leathers, helmets, motor bike tours and painted skulls.

Bike Meet committee member Greg Widger said: “I think people enjoy it because it’s the biggest thing that happens in Calne and it’s free and there is just a great atmosphere.

“I love it when I look down the town and I see all the bikers and everyone having a good time and I just think, ‘We did that.’ It makes the whole thing worthwhile.

“It’s a lot of hard graft, but we can start seeing things come together now.”

There will be rides throughout the day and, at 4pm, hundreds of motorcyclists will ride out to Royal Wootton Bassett.

Mr Widger said: “It’s something we did for the first time last year and we’ve decided to do the same this year.

“It’s a way to give something back to Wootton Bassett, because they do a lot for the soldiers and it’s a nice ride.”

The Bike Meet committee hopes to raise money through donations for the Teenage Cancer Trust, British Biker Relief Foundation and Wiltshire charity Open Blue Trust, which uses a converted double-decker bus as a mobile community centre.

Mr Widger said: “We should raise about £6,000, but I’m hoping for even more.”

For event information, see www.calnebikemeet.com