Hayling Island Scooter Rally | RALLERY

Mill Rythe Holiday Village – the actual site where Hi-de-hi was made – in the depths of Hampshire, is the setting for another SWSC rally…..catering for those a little further south of Bristol!

Weather predictions were good which meant a fair few people turned up on a scooter, the 300 limited rider patches all gone within a couple of hours….pillions were not privy to this prized patch! Normal rally service commenced, bags unpacked and wallets out, and with a few bars to keep the thirst at bay the party started.

The stage on Friday night was graced by the presence of a ska band The Mighty Shrimp, knocking out ska hit after ska hit, the crowd showing their best moves throughout the whole set made for a fun filled night. For those into alternative material……indie & dance, there was The Darkside Room, by day it’s been known as a family cafe, by rally night it’s turned into a laser filled, bass booming, shape throwing dance off, which brings us nicely to the northern soul room.

Set to the side of the main venue in the sites own pub. Several DJs spin the decks over the course of the night. Talc is a no-no (site rules) the dance floor is made up of an interestingly patterned carpet, this didn’t hinder the dancing, the stepping, kicking and clapping continued into the early hours on both Friday and Saturday night. Saturday morning saw the on-site rally-goers taking advantage of their half board status and filling the dining room for an all-you-can-eat breakfast, this also applies to lunch and dinner. With breakfast nicely digested, the bar, traders stalls and custom show are all on offer to peruse at your leisure. The obligatory ride-out commenced at 12:30 with over 250 riders heading out around the quaint little island, and this year was not disrupted by people trying to get out of the site midway through, yes it has actually happened.

There’s entertainment throughout Saturday daytime, the punk band No Lip played an energetic set and DJs continued through the afternoon. Who’s Next were the Saturday night band, a second look is needed to check the leader singer wasn’t actually the real Roger…he’s not! They played a good set of classic hits, and put on a great show pleasing the avid Who fans. If you need to continue into the wee hours, again the northern soul room and the Darkside room can cater for those not quite ready to get some shut eye.

Sunday arrives, and slowly people trickle out of their chalets and offsite with bleary eyes, lighter wallets, maybe a few patches or new part for the scooter. But one thing is obvious, they all left after a bloody good weekend. Same again next year? Well you can book up from the 14th June 2016. Next year’s event is planned for but be quick if you want accommodation telephone 02392 460044 for more info.

Text: Stuart Lanning & Michaela Holloway

Photos: Pete Davies