Next month sees what will be (natural disasters permitting) the first National Scooter Rally since Southport way back in October 2019 and what a big one The Isle of Wight International Scooter Rally will be!

For the first time since the last century, it’s on a different part of the island this year. There’s a slightly different team behind the organisation (Daz, Tori and Big Kev). Glamping pods are available and plenty more attractions besides. Book your ferry early folks, it’s going to be huge.

We’re going to give you a quick preview of what to expect at what is the biggest scooter event in the whole wide world, and there are some ferry discount links – so fasten your crash helmets and let’s take a look…

The new airport campsite should have more to look at than just scooters and if you’re there early you may be lucky enough to take a pleasure flight…

Where’s the new campsite?

Unless you’ve been living on Mars you’ll know that VFM have had a long-overdue move from the Smallbrook Stadium campsite and gone over to Sandown Airport. Don’t worry, it’s a light airfield so you won’t be kept awake by Jumbo jets through the night! The new site is just seven miles further south but it’ll change the whole dynamics of the rally. A new site, new roads to ride, new bars and pubs to sample, a new beach to explore…

The campsite address is: Sandown Airport, Scotchells Brook lane, Sandown, P036 0JP.

When does the site open? The site opens at noon on Thursday 26th August, early birds will be treated to a do and have the chance to grab your favourite bit of grass – there’s plenty of it though on this huge site so don’t break your neck to get there.

What can I expect on site? The VFM campsite is the main official central hub of the rally, all the evening entertainment will be on there, as will the trade village and custom show. There are licenced bars and food, showers and toilets.

How do I get around the island? Of course, you can ride around on your scooter but if you’re partaking in the odd shandy or two there’s also a coach that can take you to and from the site/Sandown/Shanklin and Ryde. Much cheaper than taxis and it’s usually a good laugh on the party bus.

Glamping at the Isle of Wight Regulars to the big festivals (and Big 7 scooter rally) will have seen glamping in action. This year for the first time, the Isle of Wight gets a bit of extra luxury. You can arrive at the site to find your luxurious pre-erected glamping tent ready and waiting for you. The tents sleep up to six people and some of them feature memory foam mattresses on metal bed frames, Egyptian cotton bedding, fairy lights, Moroccan print rugs, scatter cushions, towels and toiletries. The only slight downside is that guests will also be sharing the main site’s washing, shower and toilet facilities with the peasants. 

Beauty parlour Glamping guests will also have use of the ‘beauty parlour’ with free use of hairdryers, straighteners and a place to charge your mobile phone.

How much for luxury? The price for glamping starts at £250, all the details are on the Canvas Co website and there are only a few tents left so get booking.

Will you be hanging around in the big green soul hangar or in the main tent?
Tickets
If you already have a 2020 ticket it can be used to get you in this year. If not you can pre-book your weekend tickets for £30, or pay on the gate, £35. If you’re just wanting an evening ticket they’re £10 a night and are available on the gate, as are day passes.

Entertainment

Full details for the weekend are on the flyer, click that and it’ll take you to the VFM website where you can buy your tickets and get more info. Aside from the regular rally DJs spinning tunes from Thursday till Sunday, the campsite will also have live entertainment from the excellent Angelo Starr and the Team as well as The 5:15s (replacing Liquidators), King Salami & the Cumberland Three, plus Saturday afternoon entertainment from Tasteless. You can expect music from the main marquee and the Soul hangar until midnight. After that the silent disco takes over and if you’ve never been to one it’s well worth staying up for!

What about the ride out?
Don’t panic, we all know how important this part is! The humungous ride out will still take place on the Sunday from Ryde seafront at 1 pm. After a meandering smoke-filled journey across the island, it’ll end up at the campsite.
Getting there

Unless you’re a good swimmer you’ll be wanting to take a ferry to the island, Portsmouth and Southampton are the two most popular ports for mainland riders.

Southampton to East Cowes with Red Funnel

Red Funnel Ferries sail from Southampton to East Cowes and are offering a 25% scooter rally discount. A return ticket for a scooter and two people will set you back £34.50. Book your tickets using this link.

Portsmouth to Fishbourne with Wightlink Use this link for a 20% discount for scooter riders from 25th-31st August.
See you down there? Let’s keep everything crossed that nothing stops this event from going ahead. The VFM team have jumped through hoops to make sure everything goes to plan and have had the courage to move from its old spiritual home to what should be a great new venue. We all love a new destination and after the last 16 months we’re all ready to ride our scooters and see our friends again.

**This event is subject to the COVID restrictions at the time!**