Vintage Nostalgia Festival turns the clock back to previous decades

The event is organised by Codford-based RMJ Top Events and attracted thousands of visitors to the ideal setting of Stockton Park from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2.

The three-day festival traditionally celebrates music and art from the 1920s to the 1990s, with visitors dressing in period costumes and with classic cars on display.

Organisers promoted the festival as the perfect way to unwind and visitors are encouraged to wear period attire.

Andy Morse of Trowbridge with his grandchildren Lu and Amelia with his 1959 Chevrolet Apache. Image: Trevor Porter 77096-9 (Image: Trevor Porter)

To help with the transformation, hair stylists were on hand to create the styles and looks of decades ago, with prizes on offer for those who entered the best-dressed competition.

Christy Cornish, dressed in period costume, brought her Beardmore, a former 1936 taxi, one of only two in existence, to the festival. 

Christy Cornish and Ann Mata Page Smith with the Woman’s Voluntary Service tea wagon. Image: Trevor Porter 77096-11 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The vehicle was donated to the war effort and converted into a tea van for the WRVS to serve home forces during the blitz of World War Two.

She said: “We saved her from the scrapheap bringing her back into use in keeping with her era. Now affectionately named Martha I love bringing her to this show.”

Larry Houghton with his original 1950s post office motorcycle and his spaniel Peppa who loves a trip in the vintage machine. Image: Trevor Porter 77096-10a (Image: Trevor Porter)

Another rare machine was the 1950s Post Office motorcycle owned by Larry Hughes, who said: “It’s such a nostalgic bike people stop and ask about its history.

“It’s an original machine in great working order. And since coming onto the show site my dog Peppa has taken a liking to travelling on it as I tour the exhibits.”

Back to the fifties: Laura and David Hay with their 1952 Pedigree Pram having a picnic in the Saturday sunshine. Image: Trevor Porter 77096-13 (Image: Trevor Porter)

David and Laura Hay, who love the vintage era, said: “We bought this 1952 Pedigree Pram to fit in with our period clothing and we sit here enjoying the show depicting a family of the fifties.”

Fun-loving trio Chris Rowland, Sue Lucas and Sally Ghey, members of the Melksham Rock & Roll group. Image: Trevor Porter 77096-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Melksham trio Chris, Sue and Sally, all members of the town’s Rock & Roll group praised the festival atmosphere. Chris said: “We just love coming to this show it’s a great atmosphere."

Trowbridge enthusiast Eric Noden was grateful the weekend weather was fine to exhibit his restored 1960 Vauxhall Victor, he added: “I drive this car most days but never in the rain.”

Eric Noden of Trowbridge with his 1960 Vauxhall Victor. Image: Trevor Porter 77096-6 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Visitors were able to browse the vintage antique trade stands, admire the scores of vintage and classic vehicles on display, learn to dance the jive, swing or rock & roll, or just sit back and enjoy the theatrical dance displays from the re-enactors.