Looking forward to Newbury's Retro Festival

After such a horrendous year-and-a-half for all the nation, Retro Festival is returning to Newbury Showground for three days of the largest festival of all things vintage on August 13-15.

Back after a year away with an even bigger show. “It is so good to be back at our spiritual home of Newbury,” says event organiser Paul Jezard.

“It has been such a difficult year for everyone, but hopefully, we are slowly getting back to some kind of normality, and we are so pleased to be able to put on a festival to bring some happiness to the people of Newbury and beyond.

"We really have been embraced by the people of Newbury and it is much appreciated. That is encouragement enough for us to give everyone a bit of happiness after such a difficult time. The difference this year is there will be lots of hand washing stations and we have increased the size of our cleaning team by 50 per cent.”

The festival has already closed for exhibits as there has been such high demand. So this year there will be more than 1,000 exhibits including classic cars, motorbikes, caravans, hot rods, military vehicles, Tear Drop caravans, Airstreams, scooters, steam engines, hot air balloon show in the evenings, American RV’s, plus more.

If you fancy seeing some live bands, Retro Festival has a large number of them. What do you like? 50s rock 'n' roll or rockabilly? Then get yourself to the Black Hangar stage. 60s Mod, soul or Northern soul? Head over to The Ricky Tick. Or do you like pure vintage from the 20s and 30s? The Spitfire Pavilion is for you. There will be music on all the stages from 10am right through till 11pm and also a cabaret in the Spitfire Pavilion on Saturday night.

All proceeds from the cabaret are going to charity, along with all monies from T-shirt sales and brochure sales. Over the last few years, Retro Festival has raised more than £200,000 for local charities including Priors Court, Children’s Heart Association, Child Bereavement Centre, Yellow Submarine and many more.

With over 250 stalls selling everything from classic games to furniture, from clothes to car parts, and everything in between, visitors have plenty to do.

Look out, too, for walking entertainment, Ken Fox Wall of Death (as seen on Top Gear), magic show, steam powered fun fair, hairdressing salon and barbers, if you fancy getting involved with the style of the eras.

Tickets are available on the gate and under 11s go free. Open from 5pm on Friday till 11pm and from 10am till 11pm on both Saturday and Sunday. To find out more go to www.retrofestival.co.uk