An introduction to The Imps
The 'IMPS' is dedicated to educating children through, though not exclusively, their leisure time activities, this is delivered by a disciplined, dynamic and challenging programme of activities with a world-famous motorcycle display team at its heart.
From the sound of revving engines to the awe of a billowing fire jump and the suspense of a multiple motorcycle combination ‘cross-over’ routine, The Imps will have you mesmerised by an unmissable display of discipline and skill. Furthermore, you will be stunned to learn that the youngest performer is only five years old!
The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, noted for its impeccable smart red tunics and highly disciplined spectacular show originated in the 1970’s from The Hackney Adventure Holiday Project – a charity founded by Roy Pratt MBE that provided holidays in the country for under privileged young people. Some of the children found a dysfunctional old ‘motorbike’ – one thing led to another and a motorcycle display team, uniquely comprising young people aged six to sixteen, emerged.
For forty years The Imps have performed around the world to millions of people. Regular appearances on prime time television and displays at major events, such as The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, have secured a reputation for excellence. Extraordinary discipline and incredible teamwork enable The Imps to deliver shows comprising complex ‘cross-overs’ requiring split second timing, breathtaking fire jumps and visually stunning pyramids of red tunics – all served up with a dash of humour and aided by the spell-binding mini Imp mascots.
Did you know?
- More than 2,000 young people have passed through our ranks and can proudly call themselves Former Imps.
- The Imps perform all around the world – from Singapore to The USA.
- The 38 young riders who are The Imps make them Britain’s largest motorcycle display team.
- The Imps are aged between five and sixteen years of age. At sixteen they retire from the team.
- The Imps train rigorously throughout the year including off-road confidence building work sometimes supported by members of The Royal Signals Display Team – The White Helmets.
- The Imps ride a variety of four and two stroke motorcycles with engine sizes ranging from 50 to 250cc.
- The distinctive red display tunics of The Imps represent one of eight different outfits each member requires for training, performing and touring.
- When The Imps perform at The Edinburgh Military Tattoo they are watched by a live audience of 217,000 and on television by more than 100 million!
- The Imps are open to all and are intent upon the development of citizenship and the achievement of the individual's potential for all it's members.
Our history
The origins of the IMPS are to be found in The Hackney Adventure Holiday Project, which operated in the 1960's and 70's, providing adventure holidays and experiences for East End children during school holidays and at weekends.
One of the many activities
covered was an introduction to motorcycling for the youngsters.
Children soon became so proficient at cross-country riding that the
charity had to consider how to harness this newfound energy.
Competition riding was ruled out due to the high cost involved, which
would have precluded most of the youngsters being able to participate.
At
the invitation of the organiser of a local small show a six man
formation riding team was formed to present a display. From these
humble beginnings The IMPS have grown to stand shoulder to shoulder
with the best motorcycle display teams in the World.
