Retrofestival at Newbury Showground sees good rocking in the sunshine
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They jumped, they jived, they rocked around the clock and all because they wanted to celebrate everything vintage.
The annual Retrofestival returned to Newbury Showground over the weekend (August 9-11), bringing the past to life over three hot and sunny days.
Thousands of visitors celebrated the sights, the sounds, the vehicles and the fashions of days gone by.
While most of the attention was focused on three stages packed with bands and the opportunity to dance, the showground also featured more than 1,000 vintage automobiles. They included coaches, buses, military equipment, scooters and bikes.
Among those exhibiting was ‘Finny’, from Camberley, who brought along his custom-built 1929 Model A Ford. It has doors that lift up in a similar manner to the DeLorean featured in the film Back To The Future.
“It was built in 2007 in Texas,” he said of the truck, which runs on super unleaded and is a bright purple.
“I come to Retrofestival every year and bring cars that I know people will like.”
Living history group the 101st Airbourne came to the festival to showcase their collection of original and reproduction military memorabilia next to a vintage Spitfire, parked up for the weekend.
“We re-enact the period 1943-44,” said Lt Steve Applegate – also known as Smithy.
Enjoying a vintage afternoon tea while relaxing over a game of chess were Charles Wiggins and Jess Weekes, who came from Bath. They brought with them their appropriately named dog Lindysocks.
“We’ve had a brilliant time and have been really impressed,” Charles said.
Children could enjoy a fun fair with a carousel and a big wheel. Elsewhere in the showground, David Wilde from south London was performing Punch and Judy shows.
Originally from South London, this was a special event for him: “It’s Punch’s debut,” he said.
“I bought him just a few weeks ago in an auction in Thetford.
“He’s behaved himself,” he added with a laugh.
“Retrofestival has been a nice event this year, it’s been really good.”
More than 100 stalls were set up across the showground offering people the chance to buy everything from vintage clothes to mop and buckets. Some had camping equipment, while others, like Madame Fifi, who came from Hertfordshire, were selling original vintage items.
There were also pop-up barbers and hair salons so people could not just wear the look but get the look.
Of course, music was one of the main attractions, and each of the three venues was themed around different styles.
The Spitfire Pavilion focused on swing and jive, with dance lessons given by Mike Amin and Mel Lipman, aka The Swingsters, and performances by bands such as Hollie B and the Rocketeers, The Knightingales, and Ray Gelato and the Giants.
The Ricky-Tick marquee was a celebration of mods and rockers as well as ska and included a set by Berkshire-based Wardour Street, Small Faces tribute The Small Fakers, and Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band.
The Black Hangar championed rock n roll and boasted a 30m square flat sprung dance floor that was well used despite the heat.
Acts included The Zodiacs, Dave B’s Good Rockin’ Tonite and The Summertime Kings.
Tickets for next year’s event have already gone on sale – they cost from £10.50, with entry for under 16s free. Camping slots can also be reserved.
Visit www.retrofestival.co.uk for more information on the event, which will run from Friday, August 8, through to Sunday, August 10.
The venue will again be Newbury Showground.
