Retrofestival, Newbury Showground - August 2019
The Retro Festival, in its 16th year had everything, 3 separate venues showcasing music from the 1940’s, 50’s & 60’s. Tearooms, retro memorabilia and clothing, vintage vehicles, steam engines, a Spitfire and a thrilling Wall of Death plus food outlets to satisfy every taste.
When we arrived, early Thursday afternoon, a few of our members were already there enjoying a drink in the “sun” and waiting for some electricity to be provided, at least that was the excuse given by them. We quickly set-up, especially as we had power by then and looked to join the party. That evening with another two members joining our little throng we had a meet a greet, hosted by Sheila and Trev and shared our experiences so far, for although it was still a set up day a few of the bars and shops were open and some had already been shopping for clothes to enhance the Retro experience.
Friday came and so did the weather, with rain and an increasing wind, however this did not stop our hardy group from further exploring the ever increasing festival set-up, browsing the shops, albeit often only to seek shelter, or pay a visit to the 3 music venues, which although not playing live music until the evening provided a place of sanctuary and a drink! Our final motorhome had also now arrived so our small half dozen rally was now complete.
That evening the show well and truly opened with the music venues catering for all tastes from Mowtown to Swing and Northern Soul to Rock & Roll and everything from the 40’s 50’s and 60’s in between. The vast array of food outlets also catered for everyone’s diverse culinary tastes. Walking around those of us who had dressed up in clothes of the times did not feel out of place as many of the festival goers had done the same. We awoke Saturday to a somewhat windy day interspersed with some pretty heavy downpours but again our brave little band did not let this deter them from enjoying the music which started late morning and continued unabated until 11pm. Walking around the showground was like a trip down memory lane, with vintage cars, military vehicles, steam engines and classic caravans as well as a good old fashioned fun fair, albeit none of us were brave enough to re-live the Wurlitzer experience.
Sunday started on a brighter although a breezy note but in the main the rain held off for our usual get together. Sheila and Trev provided a real retro experience with old fashioned cakes and a raffle with a difference, no money and no tickets. The draw was based upon our Motorhome registrations and all the prizes of a vintage nature which was a nice touch.
All in all and despite everything the weather through at us Retro was a great show, with great music to suit all tastes, lots of exhibits and far too many shops and other outlets to spend money at.
The Retro Festival, in its 16th year had everything, 3 separate venues showcasing music from the 1940’s, 50’s & 60’s. Tearooms, retro memorabilia and clothing, vintage vehicles, steam engines, a Spitfire and a thrilling Wall of Death plus food outlets to satisfy every taste.
When we arrived, early Thursday afternoon, a few of our members were already there enjoying a drink in the “sun” and waiting for some electricity to be provided, at least that was the excuse given by them. We quickly set-up, especially as we had power by then and looked to join the party. That evening with another two members joining our little throng we had a meet a greet, hosted by Sheila and Trev and shared our experiences so far, for although it was still a set up day a few of the bars and shops were open and some had already been shopping for clothes to enhance the Retro experience.
Friday came and so did the weather, with rain and an increasing wind, however this did not stop our hardy group from further exploring the ever increasing festival set-up, browsing the shops, albeit often only to seek shelter, or pay a visit to the 3 music venues, which although not playing live music until the evening provided a place of sanctuary and a drink! Our final motorhome had also now arrived so our small half dozen rally was now complete.
That evening the show well and truly opened with the music venues catering for all tastes from Mowtown to Swing and Northern Soul to Rock & Roll and everything from the 40’s 50’s and 60’s in between. The vast array of food outlets also catered for everyone’s diverse culinary tastes. Walking around those of us who had dressed up in clothes of the times did not feel out of place as many of the festival goers had done the same. We awoke Saturday to a somewhat windy day interspersed with some pretty heavy downpours but again our brave little band did not let this deter them from enjoying the music which started late morning and continued unabated until 11pm. Walking around the showground was like a trip down memory lane, with vintage cars, military vehicles, steam engines and classic caravans as well as a good old fashioned fun fair, albeit none of us were brave enough to re-live the Wurlitzer experience.
Sunday started on a brighter although a breezy note but in the main the rain held off for our usual get together. Sheila and Trev provided a real retro experience with old fashioned cakes and a raffle with a difference, no money and no tickets. The draw was based upon our Motorhome registrations and all the prizes of a vintage nature which was a nice touch.
All in all and despite everything the weather through at us Retro was a great show, with great music to suit all tastes, lots of exhibits and far too many shops and other outlets to spend money at.