Vespas and Lambrettas appeared in a cloud of scooter smoke over weekend as the Mods returned once more to their spiritual home. It has now been 40 years since the release of the iconic film Quadrophenia and to celebrate, the film stars and ever-dedicated fans basked in the bank holiday sunshine. 

SCOOTERS and ska music took over the beach as thousands descended on the seaside for the Brighton Mod Weekender.

To celebrate 40 years since the release of iconic Mod film Quadrophenia, actor Gary Shail hosted an event on Brighton Palace Pier, which also featured fellow star Leslie Ash.

It was billed as “the biggest single collection of cast and crew to celebrate this seminal movie”.
Elsewhere, in Madeira Drive, scooters lined the road as Mods from across the country basked in the bank holiday sunshine.

Stanley Carr, 51, was relaxing on the seafront next to his Vespa PX125 bike.

He was one of hundreds showcasing their bikes, drinking beer and listening to classic tracks from Toots and the Maytals and the like.

The Birmingham man said: “The weather has been fantastic – I’m down here for the whole weekend.

“I’ve been coming three years on the trot, I love it. 

“I’ve been riding around and listening to bands.”

Events were held on the seafront, the Smugglers Rest pub in Peacehaven and Komedia in Gardner Street across the weekend.

Mod clothing shop Jump The Gun and Quadrophenia Alleyway near East Street proved as popular as ever with fans.

Gwendoline Evans, 50, travelled with her husband from Liverpool.

She said: “I don’t come every year, I come for the anniversaries, the last time I was here was for the 50th Mod celebrations in 2014.

“My mum was brought up as a Mod. 

“I’ve been here since Thursday and it’s been absolutely brilliant, wearing the dresses and riding the bikes. 

“To be a Mod, you’ve got to have the scooter.”

See our picture gallery as the Mods take over the seafront.