CROWDS of people flocked to celebrate a decade of ‘fabulous live music, vintage fashion and community spirit.’
Shake and Stir vintage festival returned to Southbourne this weekend, celebrating its tenth year as one of the county’s most popular events.
Thousands gathered at the free event at Fisherman’s Walk, including 85 traders, to mark a weekend of retro dancing, cars, music, and more from the 1920s to the 1970s.
Alison Ward travels around the country, visiting vintage events and festivals with her retro-inspired and pin-up girl clothing.
This year, she contacted the event organisers and set up a stall selling handmade dresses and accessories.
She said: “The festival has a great atmosphere, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. We’re having a wonderful time.”
Mandy Polkey is the manager of Shake and Stir Vintage Music Festival and spent the last year organising the weekend festivities alongside ‘an amazing team of volunteers.’
Mandy said: “The concept is just wonderful. Vintage everything!
“We are non-profit and free entry, and we aim to help and support communities.
“This is the first time we’re actually seeing real vintage traders in the walk, which means we are starting to be recognised as one of the top vintage events in the country.”
Mandy said it took her and the team a year to set up the event and wanted to thank everyone who was involved in organising and setting up Shake and Stir.
“A huge thanks to the team the volunteers from the local community. Not just for today but for the work they have done in the build-up.”
Last years festival saw over 33,000 people over the two days and Mandy said she expects to see similar numbers, if not more for 2024.
The event plays host to a ‘captivating’ line-up of music, with performances from Andy Kennet as Billy Fury, Little Dave and The Sun Sessions, and Jitterbug Jive Dance Class.
The live music was accompanied by dozens of dancers, who were spun around by their partners.
Vintage enthusiasts Kim Shearer and Tony Martin travelled from London for the day. They said, “It is very much our kind of music. It is great seeing lots of like-minded people enjoying what the day has to offer.”
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