Islanders are being encouraged to join the party as Ryde prepares for 3 days of live music during the International Scooter Rally.
The Isle of Wight International Scooter Rally – billed by organisers as the biggest scooter rally in the world – returns over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Thousands of riders and enthusiasts from across Britain and overseas are expected to arrive for an event which has been part of the Island’s summer calendar for decades.
Although the official rally campsite is now at Sandown Airport, Ryde remains at the heart of the weekend. Vespas, Lambrettas and other scooters will fill the Esplanade and surrounding streets before Sunday’s traditional ride-out sets off from the seafront.
The rally continues until Bank Holiday Monday, while Steve Robson and Visual Impact Events will bring 3 days of live music and DJs to Rocket Ronnies, Ryde Pavilion and the Royal Esplanade Hotel from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th August.
Demand has already proved exceptionally strong, with every night at Rocket Ronnies selling out in advance. The success of the Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows demonstrates the continuing popularity of both the rally and its live music programme.
Organiser Steve Robson, of Visual Impact, said:
“Last year was a resounding success and this year we’ve sold even more tickets. All the venues sell out – if not in advance, then on the night.
“Some Isle of Wight residents mistakenly think the events are ‘not for us’ or that this is some sort of club to which they haven’t been invited.
“That simply isn’t the case. If you love great music, come on down.”
The Specials Ltd will open the sold-out Rocket Ronnies programme on Friday with a celebration of the music of one of Britain’s most influential ska bands.
Saturday belongs to Northern Soul, with The Signatures bringing their 10-piece live show to Ryde. The band has backed several original Northern Soul artists and appeared as the house band for a Northern Soul special on Craig Charles’s BBC Radio 6 Music programme.
They will be joined by Ric Stanbridge and The Soul Lounge, playing favourites from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, before DJ Al Morgan continues until 01:00.
Rocket Ronnies’ weekend concludes on Sunday with Small Faces tribute The Small Fakers and high-energy 1960s rhythm and blues band The Hornets. DJ Al Morgan will again keep the music going until 01:00.
Tickets remain available for the packed programme at Ryde Pavilion, where Steve is particularly enthusiastic about an appearance by The Forty Fours.
Described by Steve as “an up-and-coming band”, the guitar-driven British rhythm and blues group will appear as part of the Pavilion Bar programme alongside singer and guitarist Kevin Iverson.
Maximum Who will celebrate the music of The Who on Friday evening, while Island band Lucky Sonnets take centre stage on Saturday as part of a Britpop and indie night supported by DJ Jon Shove. Tickets for Saturday’s evening event cost just £5.
The Pavilion will also offer daytime entertainment, DJs, food and drink, while 9-piece band Ska’d For Life will bring the sounds of ska and 2 Tone to the seafront on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Royal Esplanade Hotel will host a 3-day Rhythm and Soul Weekender featuring Disciples of Soul and The LJB alongside a line-up of guest DJs.
Friday and Saturday’s sessions will continue until 01:00, with an additional Saturday afternoon session beginning at 14:00. Sunday’s programme will be an all-dayer from 13:00.
Tickets remain available for the Pavilion shows and the Royal Esplanade’s Rhythm and Soul Weekender, but the sell-outs at Rocket Ronnies provide a clear warning not to leave booking until the last minute.
Tickets can be purchased through the Visual Impact website or in person from Visual Impact in Holyrood Street, Newport.
