The Classic Motorcycle Festival returns to Donington Park this weekend (29-30 July) for a two day celebration of retro motorcycle action.

A packed out timetable of 39 races from the Classic Motorcycle Racing Club will see bikes from the 1960s, 70s and 80s return to racing action, with hundreds of machines and riders expected to attend.

Racing highlights include contests for the ACU Classic and Lansdowne Cup for pre-1964 500cc Grand Prix bikes, plus the coveted Wheatcroft Trophy for the ACU Post Classic race, which features plenty of variety ranging from 350cc TZ Yamahas to 1260cc Kawasakis and XR69 Suzukis.

In addition, there’s dozens of other categories on the billing including Classic Sidecars, Classic 500cc, Motosuperbikes and plenty more.

It’s not just about the racing though, as the festival assembles massive display areas and star guests each year.

Some truly spectacular machinery will be taking to the track during the nine parades scheduled for the weekend, including GP and historic race bikes, and classic solos. Bikes expected include machines formerly ridden by Barry Sheene, Fred Merkel and Joey Dunlop, among other famous bikes, including an iconic Cadbury’s Boost Yamaha. Click here to view a list of parade bikes.

Many of these bikes will be included in a special display area on the Melbourne Loop, with dedicated exhibits for the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club and another area for Historic Grand Prix bikes. There’s also a special Norton race bike display in the paddock near to the main entrance. Click here to view parade area locations.

A number of star guests are also scheduled to attend including Jamie Whitham, Moto 2 ace Rory Skinner and three-time Isle of Man TT winner Alex George. Barry Sheene’s son Freddie has entered the Landsowne Cup races, while 2003 FIM World Classic Bike champion Glen English plans to race in no fewer than 12 contests. Click here to view a full list of guest appearances.

Tickets for the Classic Motorcycle Festival are available at discounted advance rates, priced at £19 for adults, with additional savings for teenagers aged 13-15, and free entry all weekend for children under-13. Advance tickets are available until 4pm on Thursday 27 July, after which they’ll be upon arrival at gate prices. For more information and to book, click here.