RetroFestival is a breath of air on the festival scene.
With vintage tunes pumping out of the speakers from a number of live acts, the musical offerings would be worth a look all by themselves. What makes RetroFestival so special for everyone who attends is the crazy and colourful assortment of 50’s-inspired costumes, the period displays, and the chance to see records made and broken. You’ll even be able to raise money for a worthy cause as you get your retro kicks.
For those who like their retro with a side of history, there will be an impressive selection of pre- and post-war military displays, complete with a replica field hospital. Should your historical leanings bend more towards horsepower than firepower, you won’t want to miss out on an expected 1000 classic cars and motorbikes.
Sunday will even see a Spitfire flyover, and, to top things off, expect the renowned Falcon Display Team to drop by.
And you can always get more active in your search for days gone by. Like to put your dancing shoes on? Roll over to JiveSwing! Two of the UK’s leading teachers will help you learn authentic dances such as the Lindy Hop and the Charleston. If you’re in the market for something a little more risqué, the Spitfire Cabaret will transport you back to the glory days of vaudeville with comedy, magic, singing, acrobatics, and glamorous burlesque pin-ups.
There’s even a collection of 30 vintage rides for you to enjoy, and Chris Bromham will be making an appearance in an attempt to break his own record by jumping 20 buses. RetroFestival also hopes to collect the largest selection of habitable pre-1986 caravans, providing a slightly less adrenaline-packed record attempt and a kooky look back at times past.
All this old-school fun is being done with charity in mind, namely The Children’s Cancer Fund. Last year’s RetroFestival raised an impressive £5,000, and organisers hope that the funds raised this year will go towards a “Bag of Smiles”, complete with magazines, puzzle books, and a voucher which can be exchanged for a family day out of their choice, for every newly diagnosed child.
RetroFestival makes for a fun-filled couple of days that aims to do a real difference while putting a smile on your face. If you’d like to Lindy Hop, have a penchant for classic rock, or fancy seeing records broken, you know where to head.