A few weeks ago I had the lovely Dawn Panter invite me to an event which seemed right up our street!

The Leicester Vintage Carnival was being held at Leicester Racecourse and she had tickets and wondered if I would be interested in attending with her.

For those regular readers, you may know I recently got a new puppy, Theodore who was 18 weeks old. I knew I couldn’t leave him at home all day so asked Dawn if it was feasible for me to bring him with me.

Me and my Baby Boy

Well, you would have thought I had offered to make all her dreams come true! She told me she loved Chow Chows and had always wanted one, so it was more than fine with her.

We got ready early in the morning and I decided that the Hell Bunny Leah dress paired with my original vintage hat was the way to go. Theodore put on his best Emerald bandana (he is teething so dribbles a lot) and packed him a bag.

Chillin’

It was literally like having twins again. Poop bags, wet wipes, water bottles, toys, blanket, chew bones, lunch and dinner, bowls to eat from and even suncream were put into his special doggy bag and finally we were off!

I picked up the beautiful Dawn, resplendent in a lovely print dress from LoveUR look, and a bespoke hat and we made the trip in around 30 minutes to the Racecourse.

Delicious Dawn

The people were already gathering and we waited for the gates to open. Dawn had not been to the event before so was unsure what to expect, and I was totally clueless too!

We knew there would be a vintage car collection there as friends of ours were showing off their beauty (which was later awarded 2nd place in the Best Car Competition)

The Vintage Gang

Theodore even got to sit inside the car (something I didn’t get to do!)

Chows and their Classic Cars

The event was very well set up, with stalls, bars, food stands of every kind possible and lots and lots of pretty things I wanted to buy!

Prize Winning Vehicle

There was an old fashioned funfair with coconut shy’s, crazy golf and hook the bottle. Kids and adults alike we having a whale of a time trying them out.

Old Fashioned Ferris Wheel

Old time Games

Fun for all the family

There was a full agenda for the day, with live bands, dance lessons and even a “Best Dressed” Competition in the afternoon. A lot to do in a few hours.

Theodore of course, was in his element!

Old Fashioned Chums!

It took us so long to walk anywhere as we were literally stopped every couple of feet by lovely people asking us his name, breed and age. Dawn could not believe the attention that he garnered, and I had never seen anything quite like that either.

Mick and Theodore

We eventually made it down to the car area, where we saw our lovely friends Andy and Annette who were with their Daughter Emily and her boyfriend. Of course, Theodore had to get right there it the act and many selfies and pictures were taken. Andy even got down on the floor to encourage Theodore to eat his lunch!

Andy and Theodore bonding

Enchanting Emily

After chatting for awhile, we went for a walk around the different stalls and had a look at what was on offer.

This stall had the most amazing Bakelite jewellery and I had a little chat with the stallholder. Sadly I misplaced the card she gave me, which I am gutted about. If anyone has any info, please leave me a comment?

All the pretties!

Sitting in a perfect striped deckchair, listening to one of the live bands seemed a great idea and Dawn went off for a bit of a dance whilst I sat chilling out.

Deckchair Time

One of the organisers of the event came up and told me that I should enter the Best Dressed event, so  nominated Dawn too! I thought it would be a lovely surprise for her!

We had a spot of lunch, for me a stunning steak Ciabatta roll and Dawn had a lovely vegetarian wrap, before it was again time to move.

The main Racecourse building had two floors of stalls to explore, so Dawn went first whilst I sat in the shade with Theodore having a relaxing time in the sun. Then we had a bit of a swap and I took my turn.

Vintage Ladies

Unusually I didn’t end up buying hundreds of Vintage pretties, and in fact came away with a lovely little pair of creamy yellow gloves and later one I saw a beautiful hat pin by The Heritage Milliner. It was just what I was looking for, and a bargain at £5.

We spent a bit more time with Andy and Annette before heading to the Rock n Roll competition where the amazing Mick and Nicki were taking part. I have known them for a few years now and I always love watching them dance.

Jive Champions

We stayed till the end of the competition where we were all delighted when Mick and Nicki took first place!

On the way back over to the marquee where the Best Dressed was being held, Dawn went ahead of me with my puppy. As I walked down a set of steps, I heard a voice to to the side of me say “Oh my gosh, it’s my Goddess”

The lovely Lesley

Well, I looked over to see this lovely lady heading towards me, saying “it is Tanya, isn’t it?”

I obviously said it was and she just became so animated and chatty. She went on to tell me that she follows me on all my social media and has chatted on different Facebook Threads. When she told me she was called Lesley, I knew immediately who she was.

On of my wonderful followers

By the time we stopped talking, I was nearly in floods of tears. She couldn’t stop telling me what an Inspiration I was to her, and that she loved my style, my writing and my lust for life. She made me promise I wouldn’t stop writing, and we had a lovely hug before taking some photographs together.

One of the nicest ladies I have ever met!

She told me she had recognised Theodore first, and knew instinctively that I must be there. It was such an honour to meet her in person and she genuinely was one of the loveliest people I have had the privilege of meeting.

It was now time for the competition and I had managed to convince Annette that we had entered her in it too so we went over to line up. I hastily added her to the list (I later confessed to this) and we all were given a number and got in order.

No 4

Best Dressed Competition

Theodore was obviously walking with me, and I did my little turn, followed by Dawn and then later Annette. The compere asked us all a couple of questions before we all walked in a circle and then the judges made their decisions.

In the spotlight

Sadly none of us took home a rosette, I personally think “We woz robbed”

Annettes Turn

It was now getting late into the afternoon and the decision was made to make the drive home. We were all full, happy and very delighted with the way the event had been run, and I sadly was quite sunburnt (even with factor 50 on)

The organisers were keen to let us all know that the sister event, Nottingham Vintage Carnival was only a couple of months away, Saturday 2nd September.

Fancy a day out with Theodore, Dawn??

Vintage friends

***** Thanks given to Craig Thorpe Photography for use of some of the photo’s in this post*****