For the past few years I have intended to go to The Festival of Vintage at York Racecourse.
Then of course the Pandemic hit and life came to a halt and everything got cancelled. For over two years things were pretty much at a standstill until last weekend with the resurgence of The Festival of Vintage.
I Am Here!
And even then I wasn’t actually going!
Following on from my Italian adventure, I was shattered and my knee was quite badly affected. The Bank Holiday weekend was on its way and I was intending to do very little apart from rest.
However a few days before the Vintage weekend, I spotted a photo on Instagram from the brilliant ‘Timebomb Vintage’. A melee of hats and there was the hat I had been searching high and low for, for around the last 3+ years.
The Hat of Dreams…
A red straw platter hat. Plain as such, with no floral decorations as is usual. Just a simple velvet ribbon around the small crown.
I knew I needed it to be mine. But I wasn’t going to York…
York Bound
A mere three days before the event, I popped onto the website to see if there were any tickets left. I was lucky enough to manage to get a ticket and then it was just a case of deciding what to wear for such a wonderful occasion.
In the end I plumped for some new black pin-striped high waisted trousers, a spear-pointed blouse, a red/black tie, black braces and a beautiful Hardy Amies platter hat with red trim.
All Dressed Up
Adding a pair of black flat brogues and a crocheted muff style bag, I was ready to hit York Racecourse.
First of all I needed to head to the Timebomb Vintage stand to see if my hat was still there.
Walking through the main doors, I spotted their stall right at the very front. And there at eye level was my hat of dreams.
Spinning The Tunes
Grabbing it, I went to say hi to Mickey and Fiona, the owners. It was wonderful to see them and find out how life was treating them.
Whilst they served other customers, I had a look around their wares and spotted a couple of other items; a pair of ’30s sunglasses and a flower covered hat.
Checking Out The Wares
Making my purchases, I bid them adieu and wandered around looking at different items and found myself at the Black Sheep Stall where Robert and Marie-Christin were showing so many beautiful items.
The Brilliant Black Sheep
It was at that stall that a wonderful lady came up to me and said ‘Are you Secret Plus Size Goddess?’
Well, you could have knocked me down with a feather!
Stupidly I didn’t get the lovely lady’s name, but I did get a photograph with her. She completely made my whole month when she said she loves reading my blogs. I told her to keep an eye out for the ones about Italy, but she probably didn’t expect to get a mention in here!
A Fan!
Moving on, I finally managed to see someone who I had wanted to meet in person for a really long time.
Having followed/friended Arrabella on Social Media and having numerous interactions, it was a complete delight to actually meet her.
With the Amazing Arrabella
Chatting about vintage wigs, politics, clothing and the event itself, it was wonderful to finally spend some time with her.
Sadly, my time was limited and I had a few people and stalls that I needed to hit before the long drive home.
Standing looking at more beautiful things, I was so glad to see one of my favourite vintage pals, Tina.
Terrific Tina
Right behind her was the stunning Amber. Obviously there were hugs all round and a jolly good catch-up.
Awesome Amber
I absolutely loved mooching around the massive rooms, checking out little knick-knacks and vintage desirables. It wasn’t long before I spotted another familiar face; Agent Bluebelle.
Otherwise known as one half of the Ford sisters, we clowned in front of the camera taking lots of shots.
Agent Bluebelle
As both Kitty and Suzie usually work together, it was really unusual to see them solo. However I was assured that they were just on separate stalls.
It was then that the marvellous Beverley appeared and we had to get a photograph together. Beverley was the lady I first ever started going to vintage events with; Twinwood in her tent umpteen years ago will never be beaten.
Bluebelle and Beverley
Of course we had to have a photograph or two and it was a real treat to see her again.
At this point I realised I needed to have a sit down and some pain killers. As it was such a lovely sunny day, I opted to take a can of drink outside and sat down on the steps for a little rest.
Imagine my delight when I spotted Craig, my Twinwood dancing partner!
Unknown Stunning Lady…. Look at THAT dress!
Craig is a wonderful gentleman who I met around five years or so ago, when he asked me to dance in The Colonial Club at Twinwood.
A light-footed, wonderful dancer, Craig squired me around the floor on a couple of occasions including last year when I was using a walking frame.
My Friend Craig
A nice slow foxtrot was the number of the evening and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Craig certainly dances beautifully and I can’t wait for our next dance!
More Friends!
Whilst I was outside I had to have a look at all of the amazing vintage cars on display including both UK and Continental models.
My favourite had to be the coral/dove grey Chevrolet Bel Air. The two-tone paintwork really stood out and I would have loved a ride in it.
My Favourite…
I had seen most of the true vintage stalls so headed into the second building which held the reproduction vintage stalls. I was eager to see Alice Browns Cupboard as I fancied a few new hair flowers and to see what else she had on offer.
Back at Twinwood she had a variety of thin bangles which I had found invaluable as ‘spacer’ bangles with my larger width ones. I was hoping that she may have had a few more.
One Day…
Chatting with her and the marvellous Mel, I grabbed a few flowers that caught my eye but didn’t spot the bangles.
Arrabella chose that moment to arrive and I was gobsmacked that she had changed outfits!
Looking at reversible turbans, we had a try on session before I rounded everyone up for a photograph. It was then that I spotted the box full of bangles.
Marvellous Mates
Bonus!
Delving into the box I managed to pair up seven different coloured sets which would satisfy my need for matching items. I paid for my flowers and bangles and made my goodbyes.
On the way out I spotted the lovely Sarah sitting in the sun. I took a couple of minutes to catch the breeze and have a natter with her. It had been so long since I had seen all my vintage friends that I wanted to make the most of it.
Shopping Galore
Sadly time was ticking on and I had to drive back home. As this was a last minute trip I hadn’t considered staying for the full weekend, but now I have experienced it and seen how amazing it is, I am earmarking the whole weekend next year.
THE Hat
The drive home was long but lovely. I spent the time listening to an audiobook and thinking about all the friends I had chatted with and the wonderful sights and sounds that the festival had brought.
Perfect For Me and Baba!
I can only thank the organisers for a smashing time and to all my friends, it was wonderful to see you and I can’t wait to meet up again.
Till next time,
SPSG xxx