Solar Cinema Stokes Bay Festival

The Groovy Movie Picture House returned to the Stokes Bay Festival, near Gosport at the end of July. This is a small and friendly festival, catering for mature music lovers. The crowd is very peaceful and there is never any trouble. The festival has one huge tented stage for the main bands. The Solar Cinema provides alternative entertainment, and a comfortable inside space to relax. Unfortunately, the event, and the Solar Cinema was under severe scrutiny from the licensing and Health and safety department, as well as a local NIMBY pressure group, which led to some very odd behaviour from the officials. The powers that be, in the end, had to admit that there was nothing wrong with the event, and that the Solar Cinema did a fine and professional job. Next years festival will be at Wickham, where the local authorities are apparently more agreeable, the local people love to sing and dance and the sun always shines. The Solar Cinema will be there.

At Stokes Bay, The Groovy Movie Picture House screened a selection of family friendly films and animations during the day, and in the evening played a quickfire, live selection of vintage music clips and comedy shorts. Live entertainment was provided by Hattie Hatstar, and legendary children's entertainers Ticklish Allsorts took over the tent when rain threatened to spoil their outdoor show