Photos by Lee Williams
Additional photos by Robin Pearson
Words by Scott Connor
The British Isles are awash with history, quite literally. Let’s #TBT back to the 11th century, the year was 1066 and not far from the Town of Hastings in England an epic battle took place. The battle of Hastings marked the beginning of the Norman conquest of England – an event that would permanently change the course of British history.
Back in 1991, an innovator from within the UK BMX scene and industry named Stu Dawkins got together with the Seventies crew to put together the first in what would be a legendary series of BMX comps known as The Backyard Jams. They ran consistently from 1991 – 1997 in Hastings and returned again in various locations around England in the mid 2000s. The Backyard Jams were and always will be regarded with the highest esteem in BMX. They were true BMX jams, featuring the best riders from all over the UK and the globe. From that guy your dad grew up riding with to Joe Rich, Josh Stricker, Mat Hoffman Gary Young, Dennis McCoy and just about every other of your favourite riders ever!
Fast forward to September 10th & 11th 2016 and there was another epic battle taking place, this time right in Hastings town centre in The Source skatepark. But this Battle of Hastings was a lot more entertaining. Fought by arguably the greatest roster of BMX riders alive today, wielding bikes and balls a lot bigger than yours or mine.
This is a short photo journal account of The Battle of Hastings shot on 35mm film by Lee Williams.
For more film goodness, check out Scott Connor’s Roll On VOL I & VOL II
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