DAREDEVIL riders will wow spectators by spinning their bikes up to 40ft in the air, back-flipping off their seats and performing handstands on the handlebars – all at speeds of up to 40mph.

Hundreds of thrillseekers are expected at the free event in Nottingham's Old Market Square tomorrow.

It is the first of a series of events across the country ahead of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour – an international competition in London in August – at which some of the world's highest ranked bikers will compete.

The warm-up show in Nottingham will feature Freestyle Motocross (FMX) riders performing their most impressive skills.

Chris Birch, who has been doing tricks on a FMX bike since he was 15, will be one of the riders taking part in the Red Bull X-Fighters Jam in Nottingham.

He will be the only British rider competing at the main event in London.

He said: "We're doing the jams to give the general public a taste of some of the stunts they can expect.

"Not many people will get to see these kinds of stunts live so it's a unique event – especially with it being held in the city centre."

Chris will perform jumps and tricks, along with three other FMX bikers, starting the show with some warm-up jumps and then building up to much harder tricks which will include back flips and going upside down on the bikes.

The 25-year-old, from Cambridge, said: "We're basically like Evel Knievel doing stuff on the jumps, and the ramps and loads of different stunts."

The show is expected to attract a crowd of hundreds after displays, held for the first time last year, were a huge hit with the audience.

Chris, whose favourite trick is a whip – which involves twisting the bike through the air – said: "Last year, we didn't promote the event but the noise of the bikes attracted loads of people and when we got on top of the ramps the crowd went back as far as we could see.

"People will probably hear us before they see us."

The first show will start in the Old Market Square at 5pm tomorrow, with the second one beginning at 8pm. The event is free and open to spectators.

No streets will be closed for the event, but part of Old Market Square will be cordoned off for the bikers to perform.

Organisers expect between 500 and 1,000 spectators.