The annual scooter ride-out gets underway on Sunday
Report and photos by Ray Duff
Once again, hundreds of ska enthusiasts swarmed the Burstin Hotel on Folkestone’s seafront for the annual Skabour music weekend and scooter ride-out, held every September. This year, the event was even more spectacular, blessed with glorious late summer weather.
The Decatonics entertain on Saturday afternoon Photos: Ray Duff
The festivities kicked off with a fringe event on Thursday night, the Skabour Nite Kub Basement, setting the stage for the main program that began on Friday afternoon. The main ballroom buzzed with energy as hundreds gathered to dance and groove to bands like The Downsetters, The Skastards, The Brochalites, The Specials Ltd, and the headliners, Pyramids-Symarip, with DJs spinning tracks into the early hours.
The Dancehall is well attended Photos: Ray Duff
Saturday saw even more excitement with ballroom events, bustling market stalls, and ska music echoing from The Ship and Royal George pubs along Folkestone’s Stade area. The Creative Quarter and town center were alive with visitors soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Top: Piper Christopher Bone – Bottom: The scooters assemble for their run Photos: Ray Duff
Back at The Burstin, the afternoon was filled with electrifying performances from The Decatonics, The Izettas, The Equators, Pork Pie, Susan Cadogan, and Dandy Livingstone & Roots Rockers Band, with DJs keeping the party going late into the night.
The Blue Mountain Reggae Band play their set Photos: Ray Duff
Sunday began with the highly anticipated annual Scooter Ride-Out from the front of the Burstin. Enthusiasts showcased their beautifully decorated scooters, setting off to the sound of local piper Christopher Bone’s bagpipes, and journeyed through the streets to Lympne Castle. Despite the Road of Remembrance being closed, the return trip through town was smooth, and everyone arrived back safely.
Revelers outside The Ship on The Stade as Ska music is played Photos: Ray Duff
Revelers continued to enjoy the final day’s entertainment at seafront venues and The Burstin, where bands like Total Jam, Blue Mountain Reggae Band, and The Heroes brought the event to a thrilling close.
The Skabour collective hailed the event as a massive success and announced that Early Bird bookings for next year’s event are already available on their website at www.skabour.co.uk