Details announced for Stokes Bay rally
By Connor Steel
LOCAL RESIDENTS have been invited to attend the annual ‘Provincial Society Rally‘ in Stokes Bay later this summer; the event organisers releasing further information about this showcase of static vehicles and travel-related activities this week as they look to build upon huge turnouts seen at both the 2021 and 2020 editions.
The 2023 rally has been organised by the Provincial Society group as they celebrate their twentieth year and is due to be held from 10am until 4:30pm on Sunday, August 6. It will take place in the open space off Stokes Bay Road and is free for everybody to attend, although there may be a charge to use the nearby car parking.
At the time of writing organisers have confirmed that 16 static vehicles will be available to explore throughout the day; with more expected to join this list over the next two months. This includes an AEC Regal from early 1930s and other buses that have served across the Gosport peninsula in past generations up to modern day.
Visitors will further have the chance to purchase transport-related merchandise from a huge number of stalls; the list of attendants including Barry Field and The Model Shop Portsmouth LTD. In previous years they have been joined by a variety of local organisations including Gosport Heritage Open Days and the Gosportarians.
Organisers have finally announced they will be running their popular journeys around Gosport using a limited number of vehicles, taking in views of the coastline from Stokes Bay and popular areas across the town. This will start from 1.30pm and is completely free whilst there will be a free shuttle bus to / from the Gosport Ferry.
Similarly to the previous editions, this rally has been supported by First Solent with a ‘souvenir’ timetable and programme due to be made available one week before the event is held. Readers are encouraged to explore www.provincialsociety.org for further information about this group including a collection of old historic images.
PICTURED BY PROVINICIAL SOCIETY: Crowds gather under glorious skies at previous rally in Stokes Bay.
