M60 turned into stunning ‘Ring of Red’ by hundreds of bikers for Remembrance Sunday

Hundreds of motorcyclists rode a near 36-mile circuit of the M60 on Remembrance Sunday, 8 November, in the annual Ring of Red display. Riders set off from Birch Services on the M62 at about 1pm, forming a moving line of red around Manchester’s ring road.

The ride was intended to resemble a giant poppy when viewed from above. Participants wore red T-shirts over their motorcycle gear, while residents gathered on footbridges to watch and wave. Riders responded with waves, horns and flashing headlights, and some passing motorists sounded their horns in support.

Organisers set up the community event to raise money for Heywood Veterans Association and to pay respects to service personnel, past and present. The association supports veterans in Heywood, Middleton and surrounding areas. Roch Valley Radio reported before the event that it was the association’s nominated charity for 2026; its coverage said funds would support the group’s work.

The ride was in its 13th year. Jeanette Kiely has handled much of the organisation after being asked to coordinate proceedings by the event’s original founder, Julia Stevenson. In 2022, Kiely described the ride as “a hugely popular physical show of support for the armed forces, both past and present”.

A thick blanket of fog had caused disruption on Greater Manchester roads earlier in the day, but had cleared by the time riders began their journey, according to event-day coverage. The ride’s route started at Birch Services before continuing around the M60.

Remembrance Sunday observances also took place in central Manchester. Hundreds gathered at the Cenotaph in St Peter’s Square for the city’s annual service. Veterans, military personnel and cadets marched from John Dalton Street to the Cenotaph, led by the GMP Band.

The Ring of Red combines a public act of remembrance with fundraising, and draws spectators as well as riders. Its red-clad procession was seen from the motorway bridges along the M60 as motorcyclists made the circuit.

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