The Big 7 Scooter Rally, Ardingly, West Sussex June 2026
The Big 7 Scooter Rally was definitely not one to miss this year. The rally was amazing in 2025 and we thought that we needed to make the trip over again.
Five of us from Jersey took the late night boat to Portsmouth. Luckily we had a cabin booked so the long ferry trip did not seem as draining. I'm also not a great sailor so I was able to sleep through the whole journey.
We docked in Portsmouth early Friday morning and set off on our 65 mile ride to Haywards Heath. We decided to ride the country roads, as we weren't too keen of the fast flowing traffic on the motorways. It was definitely the better option as the roads were filled with scenic views and amazing architecture. We passed very few cars and all we could hear down the little country lanes were the sounds of two stroke motors. 30 miles in to our journey we stopped for breakfast and a leg stretch. Any scooterist knows that travelling long distance on either a Vespa or a Lambretta can be painful work.
Our hotel is called 'The Birch'. We checked in, dropped our bags off and jumped back on the scooters to make our way to the scooter rally site in Ardingly. When we arrived the campsite was filling up and those who had already pitched their tents were sitting talking with scootering friends and enjoying the festivities of the rally whilst waiting for the evening events.
The clothes and parts stalls were getting a lot of attention. Potential customers were looking for their next accessory for their scooter or another item of clothing to add to their collection. I bought a Big 7 bucket hat as it was a scorching day, and I had to protect the hair dye...
The main hall was also open and the DJ played music ranging from Northern Soul to Motown, getting everyone ready for the evening. The bar and food stalls were enjoying a roaring trade.
We walked through the campsite taking a look at other scooterist's creations before heading back to the hotel to get ready for the evening. There were some amazing scooters to look at.
Some of the scooters at the camp site on the Friday
After a quick kip and some dinner we headed back to the rally site. The campsite was full and there were scooters parked up everywhere. The bands had started playing, the crowd was buzzing and you couldn't help but dance to the music. The Friday night bands were called Monumental and Northern Soul Train. Some of the crowd started Northern Soul dancing and it was very impressive to watch. I've tried to get the hang of it once before, but discovered very early on I was better at watching the others dance. There was also a silent disco taking place next door to the main room. Sometimes quite a funny watch when you see people dancing in complete silence. You think they are mad until you see the headphones.
The music finished just before midnight. Everyone had definitely had a good night and it was time to head back to the hotel to get ready for the next day of events.
On the Saturday morning we saddled up to head back up to the grounds.
Our scooters parked up outside the hotel on Saturday morning
There were more activities with the dyno in full swing. The custom show was about to start and the clothes stalls were having a great start to the day.
I spent a lot of my time looking at the scooter service stalls. They had gear cables, pistons, seats and so much more on offer. I could have spent a fortune but definitely knew I would not be able to fit it all in my bag, though I did come back with some kickstart rubbers. I did buy something!
The dyno caught my attention. Many scooterists with their pride and joy, lined up to get them speed tested. I must say the BHP that some of them were creating was incredible. One Lambretta produced almost 40 BHP and sounded like a rocket when up on the podium. I think it could have been the quickest scooter off the day. Who would have thought a little shopping trolley could produce that much power! Everyone should have one for a quick trip to Tesco. Would be the quickest shopping trolley ever!
After getting my speed fix it was time to head over to the custom show. There were new custom scooters entered this year. The attention to detail on some of the paint work was incredible. I could not imagine the money and hours spent. In my mind all of the scooters on display were winners.
For the last evening of the Big 7 event we were in for a treat. The Hornets, Absolute Stone Roses and The Specials Ltd were the bands for the night. The dance floor was packed for the whole evening. I was one of them and it felt like I had completed a full workout. It was a great gig and I definitely didn't want it to end.
On Sunday we took the ride back to Portsmouth. Luckily this time we did not have any breakdowns, just a flat tyre which was a very quick and easy fix.
We arrived back in Portsmouth early evening on Sunday just in time to watch a World Cup match in the hotel bar. We had an early night as the boat was leaving for Jersey at 8am. We arrived back home to Jersey in one piece.
Once again the Big 7 Scooter Rally did not fail to impress and I will definitely head back in the near future.
Look out for more videos and write ups to follow very soon!