I’m not what you would call a festival-going type. In fact, I tend to avoid going to concerts, gigs etc and the idea of standing in a muddy field with the great unwashed listening to too-loud music doesn’t really appeal.
Back in 2009 I went to the Hop Farm festival, and although it was glorious weather I swore never to sleep in a tent again. I went to see Take That in 2011, which was fun, and in previous years I have been to Guilfest, but as a day visitor and it was mostly about the getting drunk and buying terrible clothes as mementos.
I do kind of feel like I have missed out from the whole festival/gig experience, so onto the list it went.
Natalie then tipped me off about the Vintage Nostalgia Festival, a 3-day event in Wiltshire, with camping, music, and my favourite – lots of vintage stalls. I love the 1940’s and 1950’s style and as I have previously blogged, I’ve recently even learned how to do the hairdo.
I borrowed a tent and bought a sleeping bag, and headed off to meet Nat and her family on the Friday evening after work. Luckily they had already set up the tent for me so we headed out to listen to some Rock ‘n’ Roll bands and indulge in a little dancing.
The first night in the tent was a mixed experience. My air mattress deflated overnight leaving me with my head and feet elevated whilst spine and bum found every dip and stone in the ground, and the thin canvas did nothing to mask the loud snoring from nearby tents. The only upside was that the sun woke me up so I emerged in time for breakfast and a bit of social interaction (a miracle for me on a Saturday morning!)
Nat’s brother seems to have every camping related gadget you can get. He had all this funky stuff like a sturdy table that packs up really small, bbq for cooking, little hob, fold-up gazebo, and all sorts of other little bits and pieces that makes camping feel a bit more civilised.
We spent some time doing our hair and makeup to fit in, then headed off to check out the stalls. 3 hours later and after only visiting about a quarter of the stalls, I’d spent an obscene amount of money and obtained 4 dresses, 4 belts, 2 hats, and a “fur” stole. My 1940’s look was almost complete (as well as several 1950’s and 60’s outfits) and it was time for us to join in a Swing class – something in between Rock n Roll, and Jive. It was fun, albeit a little basic and we were accosted by an overenthusiastic amateur who manhandled us around!
After the class and a break for food, we continued our shopping spree. However we got rained off so only saw a few more stalls.
In the evening we joined Nat’s parents for dinner, then headed back out to enjoy some music and dancing. The evening started with a really lovely time in a cosy teepee where the New HawLeans Jug Band were playing. Absolutely brilliant and a wonderful atmosphere. We moved on to the main tent for some Rock n Roll, but the band was just finishing their set, so we enjoyed a little DJ intermission whilst the next band set up. Unfortunately they were insanely loud and I had to leave to save my poor eardrums! We braved the freezing cold to relocate to another tent, and jigged about to some music before deciding it was so cold it was bedtime.
We borrowed some extra blankets from Nat’s parents, and armed with these and a fresh (non-deflating) mattress, I toddled off to another broken night’s sleep. Morning dawned and we were already onto our final day. I wore one of my new 1950’s dresses but it was raining intermittently so it was paired with a not-at-all-vintage raincoat which kind of spoiled the look. A couple more purchases and enjoying some more music and it was sadly time to go home.
The festival was fantastic, great atmosphere and brilliant music. Lots of vintage cars and engines for those that like that sort of thing, although the clothes stalls did pretty much wipe out my bank account! It was very family friendly with kids entertainers as well as lots of kids facilities.
I think however that I have found my limit. I will go again – but will stay in a hotel next time!
40 things... 
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