Hundreds gather for funeral of prominent Hells Angel in Surrey, B.C.

A celebration of life has brought hundreds of Hells Angels from across Canada to B.C.’s Lower Mainland.

Roars of engines filled the air as hundreds of Hells Angels from across Canada descended on the Lower Mainland on Thursday for the celebration of life of a prominent member.

Rick Ciarniello, who was the motorcycle gang’s longtime spokesman, died in March.

Police estimate 1,000 motorcyclists arrived at the banquet hall in Surrey hosting the event, with roughly 500 additional guests.

And while police might not have been on the guest list, that didn’t stop them from coming to watch and document the proceedings.

“These events are important to police not just in terms of seeing who’s attending, but it’s really important for us to see who’s associating with each other,” Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton with the Surrey Police Service told reporters outside the gathering. “Affiliations in the outlaw motorcycle gang world are really important for police to see who’s being supported by who.”

The event featured members from the gang and affiliated organizations – as well as friends and family.

Warm handshakes and hugs were in stark contrast to the headlines over the years about civil forfeiture and criminal prosecutions.

And while police acknowledge the bikers will be around for a few days – they insist the public has nothing to be worried about.

“People are quite safe,” Houghton said. “There’s nothing to be concerned about. If you see large groups of bikers, there’s probably a very good chance that police are nearby.”

Police expect many of the bikers to stay in Surrey and the surrounding area through the weekend.