Redleg's Retro Rave Up!

I didn’t go to Vintage at Goodwood, and although people had a good time on reflection, weather, queues, primark an’ all I am quite glad I didn’t. However it is all well and good (and a national pastime) to have a good moan but have any of us considered how we would go about it ourselves? I have thought about the kind of vintage event(s) I’d enjoy and came to the conclusion of how I’d do it. Welcome to Redleg’s Retro Rave-Up (first thing I would do is change the name!)

Era. I’d go for an inclusive 20’s/30’s and 40’s theme. The reasons for this are that:

a) The 20’s and 30’s are under-represented.

b) The 40’s on it’s own gets bogged down in the war which are covered in re-enactment events although forties home-front style would be welcomed.

c) The music and dance of the period, jazz, swing, big band, lindy-hop, jive etc works across the periods and might appeal to fifties fans too.

Location. Smaller events appeal to me and this kind of location would suit:

a) Somewhere like Bisley where the Hotrod Hayride is held. It is close to London, near a major train line, has camping facilities and a charming retro-feel. No Glamping or camp apartheid.

b) A London park ie Victoria or Crystal Palace Parks. Easy to get to, a huge range of accommodation on the doorstep and historical park features (boating lakes, bandstands, dinosaurs). Plus profits go to local council.

c) Cost: daily advance entry, reasonable pitch and vendor charges to cover licensing, security, amenities and clean-up. Sponsorship welcome only from relevant suppliers ie: gin and lingerie companies.

Organisation. Divide into four sections:

a) The Chap Olympiad in one section (because you can never have too many Chap Olympiads!)

b) A vintage fete: beer and cider tents, entertainment marquees and bands, performers and activities. And bumper cars.

c) Vintage flea market: vendors, vintage emporiums.

d) Arena. Area for display of cars, motorbikes, bicycles, utility vehicles and other shiny things that people are proud of.

Things I’d like to see?

A dress code at the entry gates.

Lectures on dress from various periods and how to preserve, care and clean vintage clobber. Fan painting.

Men’s hat doffing classes.

A dog show.

A fashion show a la the Chapwalk but where visitors can sign up on the day and show off their best togs.

A bonfire of jeans to end the day with pagan purification.

Now I just need someone with a bit of cash to help out with the funding.

Would you come to this or do you have ideas for your perfect vintage beano, please share, who knows perhaps a future organiser might listen, so please comment. x