Great Yarmouth Scooter Rally, 1987: Photographs by Debby Besford

Debby Besford is an established social documentary photographer with a career spanning over 25 years. Her extensive body of work encompasses both personal projects and commissioned assignments. Throughout her career, Debby has focused on capturing the lives and stories of everyday people, exploring many diverse aspects of British culture and subcultures.

"I was born in Great Yarmouth and have fond memories and a deep connection to my hometown. I've returned many times over the years to photograph the richness and diversity of the people."

Norwich School of Art

“I discovered my passion for photography while studying as an undergraduate. During this time at Norwich School of Art, I met Nick Hedges, a renowned documentary photographer who became my tutor and whose work inspired me to delve deeper into my subjects. Since graduating in the 1980s, I have earned a Master’s degree and pursued a career as a documentary photographer. Furthermore, I have been teaching photography to undergraduates.”

The Scooter Reunion

The Scooter Reunion is a noteworthy project I created as a photography student. The rally was focused on the May Bank Holiday weekend in Great Yarmouth, where mods, skins, and rockers from all over the UK would come together. They would camp and zip along the seafront on their Vespas, Lambrettas, or motorbikes.

Subculture

I was captivated by these subcultures and their vibrant energy, as well as their distinct identities expressed through fashion, hairstyles, and iconic customised scooters. I was also interested in ska music and style, which opened my world while I was involved as a photographer. Throughout my project, I sought to capture the spirit of these young people, documenting their styles, camaraderie, and the sense of community that emerged during these gatherings.

The Scooter Rally was part of the broader social scene that revolved around music, from Soul to Ska to The Jam and The Who. Bands like Madness, The Specials, and The Selecter, known for their distinctive sounds and lyrics, played at Tiffany’s nightclub and the epic Soul Weekenders at Caister Holiday Camp.

Documentary Photography

In retrospect, The Scooter Reunion project, produced during my student years, was an early exploration of my interest in documentary photography and a tool to understand and connect with people. It laid the foundation for my subsequent work, where I continue to capture the essence of everyday people, their lives and the finer details that open dialogue and a visual narrative for the viewer.

Projects

Over the years, I have worked on self-funded projects and produced a large body of work, which has been challenging. I have exhibited and published a selection of works including the potteries, factory workers, tea dancing, hobbyists, artistic roller skaters, Elvis Presley impersonators, to name a few. I want my photographs to provide a glimpse into the lives and experiences of these individuals, shedding light on their unique stories and perspectives.