Bikers get ready for huge Easter convoy with more than 1,100 expected at North East venue
More than 1,000 bikers will converge in the North East for a charity run which has become a huge part of the region’s Easter calendar.
People from Sunderland, Hartlepool, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Northumberland and parts of Yorkshire will take part in the 2026 Durham Easter Egg Run.
It starts at the car park of Tesco Extra at Dragonville, in Durham, on Sunday, April 5. Riders are expected to arrive from 7am with the roar of bikes and trikes setting off at 10am.
The convoy will call at the University Hospital of North Durham and Darlington Memorial Hospital where riders will donate Easter eggs to worthy causes.
And the day’s fun will also include raising thousands of pounds for charities. This year, they are Pet Angels Wearside, Missed A Beat Foundation, Shaw Trust, British Heart Foundation, Northumbria Blood Bikes, Durham Dogs and Cats Home, Feeding Families and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The organiser is Graeme Mills, who said: “There is a lot of interest and attendees from all over the North East as well as Northumberland to North Yorkshire.
“Last year, 1197 motorcycles left the start point at Tesco Extra Dragonville in a five-mile convoy escorted by Durham Constabulary motorcycle section.”
The 2025 spectacle included the sight of Captain America, a chicken, the Easter Bunny and other characters riding through the streets. More than £4,500 was raised 12 months ago for charities.
From 10am, they set off in convoy to North Durham Hospital and Darlington Memorial Hospital where they delivered Easter eggs.
The organisers had already distributed hundreds of eggs to schools, care homes for the elderly as well as special needs units.
The run has its own Facebook page which has hundreds of followers and supporters including taxi firms, bingo halls, social clubs, and individuals who amassed Easter eggs to donate to the cause.
This year, Graeme added: “Each year we as a group of up to 1000 bikers gather together to distribute Easter Eggs to kids in North East hospitals, kids in foster care, special needs kids, as well as others in need of love and support,
“All donations received are split equally between the charities. We run purely on a voluntary basis to help others less fortunate than ourselves.
“Please give anything you can to help us continue, as it is all ran totally voluntary and nothing is taken for any expenses incurred.”
To give to this year’s cause, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/durham-easter-egg-run-2026