Top 10 Vintage Festivals and Events in the UK
Introduction
When most people think of the term “vintage,” images of old-fashioned clothing, hairstyles and makeup usually come to mind. But vintage is much more than just a style or trend; it’s an entire lifestyle. Vintage enthusiasts strive to recapture the look and feel of a bygone era, whether that means dressing in ‘20s-inspired flapper dresses or listening to big band music from the ‘40s.
If you’re looking to get a taste of vintage life, there’s no better way than to attend a vintage festival or event. These gatherings are usually themed around a specific era and feature activities, entertainment and attire that transports attendees back in time. From large-scale festivals to more intimate gatherings, there’s sure to be a vintage event that appeals to you.
What is a Vintage Festival or Event?
A vintage festival or event is a gathering that celebrates a specific era, typically featuring themed activities, entertainment and attire. These events are usually organized around a central theme, such as the ‘20s, ‘30s, ‘40s or ‘50s. Attendees often dress in period-specific clothing and participate in activities that would have been popular during the era being celebrated.
Vintage festivals and events can be large or small, with some attracting tens of thousands of attendees and others being more intimate gatherings of just a few hundred people. Regardless of their size, these events are usually a fun and festive way to experience the vintage culture.
Why Attend a Vintage Festival or Event?
There are many reasons to attend a vintage festival or event. For some, it’s a chance to step back in time and experience a different era. Others enjoy the opportunity to dress up in period-specific clothing and explore different styles. And of course, vintage festivals and events are also a great way to meet like-minded people and make new friends.
No matter what your reason for attending, a vintage festival or event is sure to be a unique and memorable experience.What to Expect at a Vintage Festival or Event.
What to Expect at a Vintage Festival or Event?
When attending a vintage festival or event, there are a few things you can expect. First, most events will have a specific theme, such as the ‘20s, ‘30s, ‘40s or ‘50s. This means that the activities, entertainment and even the food will be geared towards that era. You can also expect to see a lot of people dressed in period-specific clothing. And of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to dance, sing and have a good time.
How to Prepare for a Vintage Festival or Event
If you’re planning on attending a vintage festival or event, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
First, make sure you have the appropriate clothing. Even if the event doesn’t require it, dressing in period-specific clothing can add to the experience. If you don’t have anything vintage-inspired, don’t worry – there are plenty of stores that sell vintage-inspired clothing.
Second, familiarize yourself with the era that the event is celebrating. This will help you understand the activities and entertainment that will be taking place. And finally, make sure to bring plenty of cash, as many vintage festivals and events do not accept credit cards (although, this is starting to change due to the ongoing in 2020/21).
Thirdly, don’t forget to have fun! Vintage festivals and events are all about enjoying yourself, so make sure to let loose and enjoy the experience. Many attendees make the mistake of taking themselves too seriously and not enjoying the event to its fullest. It's important to embrace the immersive nature of these events and to get stuck in with everything that's going on.
Top 10 Vintage Festivals and Events in the UK
So without further ado, here are the top 17 vintage festivals and events in the UK that every vintage fan should know about
1.) Goodwood Revival
This three-day event is held annually at Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex. The Goodwood Revival is a celebration of the golden era of motor racing, featuring vintage cars and motorcycles from the 1940s to the late ‘60s. Attendees are encouraged to dress in period clothing (they all do!), and there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as live music and dancing, vintage fairgrounds and more.
Eras: 40s, 50s & 60s
Focus: Classic Cars, Vintage Fashion & Music
Location: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Goodwood, West Sussex
When: Usually on the 2nd Weekend of September
Dolly & Gracie's Top Tip: Dress to impress! Trust us, if you don't dress up for this one, you'll stick out like a sore thumb! Have a look at thehouseoffoxy.com for inspiration.
Website: goodwood.com/motorsport/goodwood-revival/
2.) The Nostalgia Show
The Nostalgia Show is a three-day event held at the Stansted Park in Hampshire. The show celebrates all things from the ’80s backwards, focusing on classic cars, camping and live entertainment. Think 80’s aerobics classes, old school sports days, dance lessons, and maybe even a spot of crazy golf. It’s a small, but perfectly formed vintage festival.
Eras: 1980s’ Backwards!
Focus: Classic Cars, Camping & Music
Location: Stansted Park, Rowland's Castle
When: Usually on the 1st Weekend of June
Dolly & Gracie's Top Tip: Bring the whole family including dogs! Everyone is welcome.
Website: thenostalgiashow.com
3.) Festival of Vintage
Festival of Vintage is the event for all your vintage shopping, from clothes to homeware it has it all. There’s always music and dance lessons to get you started, plus why not get your hair done at the parlour.
Eras: 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
Focus: Shopping with entertainment
Location: York Race Course, York
When: April, May time
Dolly & Gracie's Top Tip: They also do a Vintage Christmas Festival, mince pies anyone??
Website: festivalofvintage.co.uk
4.) Twinwood
Twinwood has been running for 21 years and is a four-day event held in Bedford. There is something for everyone here. There are even museums for the historians amongst you. If you would like to completely immerse yourself in a bygone era, this is the vintage festival for you.
Eras: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s
Focus: History of the eras, Music & Shopping
Location: Clapham, Bedford
When: Usually last week of August
Dolly & Gracie's Top Tip: Be prepared to find accommodation quickly!
Website: twinwoodevents.com
5.) Vintage for Victory
Vintage for Victory prides itself on being a party to remember. It’s situated in the north of Cardiff, which in itself is exciting. The festival celebrates all things vintage, from the 40s to the 60s, and has a vintage carnival and cinema.
Eras: 40s, 50s, 60s
Focus: The Vintage Party Atmosphere
Location: Whitchurch Library Gardens, Cardiff
When: 2nd weekend in July
Dolly & Gracie's Top Tip: Some big music acts perform here for a relatively small festival.
Website: vintageforvictory.co.uk
6.) Salute to the 40s
Salute to the 40s is a charity fundraising event for Chatham Dockyard. Think history coming to life. The best festival to get that blitz spirit feeling, plus you can visit the dockyard whilst you are there. PS Call the Midwife is filmed there, but that’s another story!
Eras: 40s
Focus: Military Vehicles, Music & Displays
Location: The Historic Dockyard, Chatham
When: The beginning of September
Dolly & Gracie's Top Tip: This is the festival for those who want to keep the wartime spirit alive.
Website: thedockyard.co.uk/whats-on/salute-to-the-40s/
7.) Vintage by the Sea
Vintage by the Sea is a two-day event held in Morecambe Bay. The festival focuses on fashion, music and art from the 20s to the 90s. It boasts a wide range of eras and they have nightclubs to dance the night away in every era too. There are also plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as a vintage fairground.
Eras: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s , 80s & 90s
Focus: Vintage Fashion, Music & Art
Location: Morecambe Bay, Lancashire
When: September
Dolly & Gracie's Top Tip: This is a great event for those who want a free festival! Just show up.
Website: vintagefestival.co.uk/
8.) Southbourne’s Shake and Stir
The whole village of Southbourne, near Bournemouth, is taken over for this vintage shindig. There are no dance floors at this festival rather everyone dances in the streets and on the green. Entering Fisherman’s walk you can quickstep all the way to the beautiful coast line.
Eras: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70,
Focus: Music with vintage stalls
Location: Southbourne, Bournemouth
When: End of June
Dolly & Gracie's Top Tip: They have the Greatest Barman Competition, not just your average babysham.
Website: eventsbystir.co.uk/shake-stir-festival-2022
9.) Retrofest
Retrofest has two weekends in two different venues, Newark Showground and Newbury Showground. They have everything you’d expect from a large vintage festival including incredible displays. (Newbury even has a hot air balloon display, weather permitting!) There’s a funfair and camping and of course, music and dancing.
Eras: Anything Retro Goes.
Focus: Vehicles, Planes, Displays and Music
Location: Newark and Newbury
When: Newark- 2nd weekend in June, Newbury- 2nd weekend in August
Dolly & Gracie's Top Tip: You can shop till 9 pm as stalls are open late.
Website: https://www.retrofestival.co.uk
10.) Hotrock
If 1950s vintage music’s what you love then Hotrock is for you. It is purely about the music and vinyl. Think Rockabilly, Rock n Roll and Rhythm & Blues. They’ve got it all.
Eras: 50s
Focus: Music
Location: The Royal Music Hall, Stoke
When: 3rd weekend in May
Dolly & Gracie's Top Tip: The music hall is right in the city centre, making it easy to get about!
Website: hotrockpromotions.com
