What is happening at Retrofestival in Newbury on Saturday?
Retrofestival will be in full swing at Newbury Showground today.
Saturday, August 10, is the second of three days dedicated to music, memorabilia, classic cars and vintage markets.
Three stages are set up for a variety of acts across the weekend, and there is an airshow and an arena area.
What will the weather be like at Retrofestival today?
The forecast is expected to be warm, but cloudy, with a moderate breeze.
It should stay dry all day, but there is a chance of showers around lunchtime.
Temperatures should peak at 4pm, reaching up to 23ºC, with lows of 18ºC.
The best chance of some sunshine will be in the early evening.
What entertainment is happening at Retrofestival on Saturday, August 10?
There are three stages.
The Black Hangar will specialise in rock n roll and rockabilly
The Ricky-Tick will feature 60s, mod, soul and Nothern Soul
The Spitfire Pavilion will be 20s and 30s.
THE BLACK HANGAR STAGE
On Saturday, The Black Hangar Stage will have entertainment from noon.
It starts with a jive dance class, which is repeated at 3pm. Young rockers Harry and the Hounds perform at 1.15pm, fusing music from the Stray Cats, Elvis, and Johnny Burnette with modern influences such as JD Mcpherson.
At 4.15pm, Dave B’s Good Rockin’ Tonite will be celebrating the sounds of the 50s and early 60s, with a focus on bop, jive and stroll, with a smattering of 1970s favourites too.
At 5.45pm, Nikki and the Switchblades will perform 50s favourites from artists such as Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
At 7.15pm, Rock Back The Clock will bring jive and stroll music to the dance floor.
At 8.45pm, The Firebirds, said to be one of Europe’s top rock n roll bands, will perform rockabilly, doo wop, instrumentals and ballads.
Bring the day to a close will be a set from Lucas and the Dynamos, a 50s-style rock n roll band. They are fresh from releasing their latest CD, Unregulated Rockers.
Between sets, DJ Rockin’ Eddie and SplinterWood Radio will provide some tunes.
THE SPITFIRE PAVILION
The Spitfire Pavilion will see The Duke DJ across the day, playing a mixture of tracks from his vinyl and CD collection. Also DJing will be the Reverend Hep, playing tracks from the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
A lindy hop session will be held at 11.30am and again at 3.45pm, courtesy of Gary and Sara Boon, who have been teaching for more than 20 years.
Vintage entertainer Betsy Harmony will perform songs from the 1890s to the 1960s during her sets at 1pm and 2.15pm.
Moonlighting, previously Honeymoon Swing, will perform American jazz dance music from the 1920s to 50s during their sets, at 5.15pm and 6.30pm.
Headlining will be Ray Gelato and his big band. They will perform a mixture of swing, jazz, and rhythm and blues at 8.15pm and 9.45pm.
The group have had a stellar career, performing twice for Queen Elizabeth II, opening for Robbie Williams, and played for Paul McCartney.
The venue is hosted by Alan and Lisa McGurk.
THE RICKY TICK STAGE
Martin Fuggles will host The Ricky Tick Stage, with DJ sets from Fiona Shenton, Tom Laurence and Martin.
Berkshire-based band The Skangsters will bring some ska, soul and two tone sounds to the stage at 1pm.
Following them will be a DJ set from Derek Mead, who has performed at Blackpool Tower and Stoke Kings Hall. Starting at 2pm, it will include a look at the history of Northern Soul.
At 3pm, professional dance teacher Sharon Sullivan will share some Northern Soul dances.
From 4.30pm, The Signatures will perform a range of classic Northern Soul numbers. The 10-piece band promise to get audiences on the dancefloor.
At 6.30pm, The Ministry of MOD will share their love of the genre, along with some Northern Soul classics from the 60s and 70s, including The Who and The Small Faces.
The 3Sixties will celebrate The British Invasion, Beatlemania and the summer of love when they provide a trip down memory lane at 8pm.
Bringing the day to an end will be Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band.
Starting at 9.45pm, they will recreate not just the sound of the 60s, but their sound of the 60s; active between 1965-69, they are still going strong today and this appearance follows on from their 2022 appearance.
Classic cars
Organisers are hopeful that 1,000 classic cars and motorbikes will be coming to Newbury for the weekend.
They will include military pre- and post-war vehicles, a recreation of a field hospital, miniature steam engines – and full-sized ones.
Scooters from the Mod era will also be on show, as will classic caravans.
What else is happening at Retrofestival?
A vintage funfair will be a popular attraction for visitors, and it will include a wall of death.
People will be able to try their hand at classic fairground games.
Food stalls will provide tasty treats.
For those who want to look the part, a hairdresser will give people the opportunity to style their hair – the first time they have come to the event.
The salon is set out to look like it’s from the 1940s, and services will include make-up as well as hair.
Shopping at Retrofestival
There are more than 100 traders coming to Retrofestival, offering a wide range of items.
They include car parts, vintage clothes, retro signs, toys, toiletries, dog treats, artworks, vinyl music, rugs, upcycled items, and memorabilia.
Tutt’s Clump Cider will have a stall, along with other food and drink firms.
Where does Retrofestival take place?
Retrofestival takes place in Newbury Showground, Priors Court, Hermitage, Thatcham RG18 9QZ.
For those who haven’t been there before, follow signs from Junction 13 of the M4.
How do I get to Newbury Showground?
A shuttle bus runs from Newbury Railway Station on Saturday and Sunday.
Departures are 10am, 11.30am and 12.30pm.
It goes to the Chieveley Services Travelodge before heading to the main entrance of the showground.
The return trips depart from the showground at 6pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm.
What about car parking at Retrofestival?
A free car park is available on site. Premium parking close to the main entrance is £5 and should be booked in advance.
What are the opening times for Retrofestival on Saturday and Sunday?
The festival is open from 10am to 11pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets for Retrofestival
Weekend and camping tickets are now sold out, but tickets will be available on the gate.
Entry on Saturday is from 10am, and closes at 11pm.
For an all-day ticket: £35 for adults, £10 for children aged 10 to 16. Under 10s get in free.
A daytime ticket, with exit by 6.30pm, is £25 for adults, £5 for 10 to 16, and under 10s free.
An evening only ticket is the same price at the daytime ticket.
Premium parking is £5.
A weekend family ticket for two adults and two children is £70.
More details
The website www.retrofestival.co.uk contains more details about the festival, including a comprehensive question and answer page.
