The Retro Festival UK

 There are few things that please me more than a festival of retro-ness. I have been to a few over the past couple of years, and the majority have ticked most of my boxes. The following seems set to do the same.

The Retro Festival is a 3 day event being held in Maidenhead from the 10th -12th August 2012. To say I am excited about it is an understatement. Just the website makes me smile. The organisers seem to have got it right. It looks as though it is run by those who have a genuine interest in vintage and retro life and have packed all their enthusiasm into one stonking weekend.

There are not one, not two but THREE whole live music stages hosting the top drawer of artists on the UK vintage and rock 'n' roll scene. The names of the venues make me want to go right now: The Black Hanger & The Scarlet Ballroom. Put my name down! 

There is also a Wings and Wheels Show, with free entry for exhibitors, which promises classics from both the civilian & military motor and aero sphreres, best vehicle prizes and a best in show award.  Not enough machinery for you? Well -  there is also an Auto Jumble. Ooooh yeah!

If you are more a wheels on your feet kinda person, then for your delectation there is a roller derby bouts. I have seen some of this sport close up and personal, and it is both awesome and terrifying at the same time. As is the Wall of Death, who shall also be in attendance. Motorbikes whizzing round a circular wall? Get your applauding hands ready!

Is your head spinning yet? Mine is. But there is more..

A Retro Market to be precise. And I do like to riffle through old stuff. I am hopeful that I shall be able to add to my growing collection of brooches-I-NEED-but-rarely-wear and my hair curling accoutrements.

For the kiddie-winks in your life there is a family day on the Sunday, a kids zone and a mini fun fair. Which I hope shall be serving copious amounts of candyfloss. Mmmmm. Candy floss....

Need to refresh oneself? A vintage Beauty Parlour and a Gentlemans barber's shall be on hand to primp and preen you.

As I have said, this collosal event runs over 3 days. You can pick and chose your days  -  or come for the whole shabang.  And I would not be promoting something that I did not think was not only reasonable in price - but a bloody good deal. 

Ready? Sitting down?

£50 for a 3 day ticket per adult. From £17.50 for a single. 
Young persons pass is £34 for the duration or from £11.50, depending on the day.
Children under 11 FREE. 
See full prices and their break down here

If you want to stay overnight there is camping (£30 a pitch), caravaning (from£35 a pitch) or glamping options via the below

Hotel Bell Tent

Alongside the usual camping site bits, such as toilets and showers, there are also secure lockers. I am in the process of convincing the Beard that the way forward is camping. He is looking sceptical -  so we may be caravanning. If anyone has a nice retro-caravan to lend me, please let me know!

Phew. I feel like I have already been to this wonderful sounding event -  but it is all yet to come! 

SQUEEEEEEE!!

You can follow Retro Festival on twitter @RetroFestivalUK and be sure to join their FaceBook Page to be in with a chance of winning weekend tickets! If you are the 1,500th like -  it could be you!


And not only that!! If you attend the Jubilee Market in Windsor over the Bank Holiday weekend next week, bvintagebazaar.co.uk are giving away one family ticket for each day of their event. So -  double bubble chances of winning. Can't say fairer than that.

I sincerely hope to see you at The Retro Festival- I literally cannot WAIT.

*wanders off into dream land mumbling about roller derby, marketplace, bell tents*