Win Tickets to The Festival of Vintage (Ended)

if there was one festival I wish I could go to this year it would have to be The Festival of Vintage. So many lovely people I know are going and the line up for the event is simply fabulous. Unfortunately I have loads of family commitments that weekend. But just because I’m missing out it doesn’t mean you have to. The lovely organisers at Festival of Vintage have given me 10 tickets to give away to my readers! I’m going to give them away as 5 pairs, so you’re in with a really good chance of winning if you enter!

The festival is returning to York for the 6th year on the 23rd and 24th April and promises to be an amazing weekend for vintage fans, looking to be transported back in time for a weekend of nostalgic entertainment. The line-up includes dace lessons, hair stylists, make-do and mend workshops,fashion parades, classic vehicles and displays across both days.

The Marks and Spencer archive have teamed up with the event, with a selection of talks and a showcase of some of their collection of 30s to 60s vintage fashions. Definitely one for those fashion history geeks amongst us!

As for vintage shopping, this is definitely the place to be. The festival will host over 200 hand-picked vintage dealers from across the UK selling fashion and homewares from 1930’s-1960’s as well as 50 top quality Repro Brands.

There will also be a best dressed contest, so be sure to turn up in all your vintage finery. The contest will be judged by the team from Vintage Life Magazine.

I asked organiser Keeley Harris a few questions about her love of vintage and the event itself…

When did your love of vintage start and what inspired your love of vintage?

I loved what was known at the time as just “old stuff” from the age of 10 when I played dress up at my friend’s house in 1930’s dresses (we are talking nearly 30 years ago!). From there I collected things…old dolls, handbags and costume jewellery. When I was 15 I helped my dad at Antiques Fairs and was always drawn to 1950’s ceramics and fashion. The rest they say, is history!

What is your favourite vintage era and why?

I really love the 1960’s for the fashion. It’s the bright colours and funky patterns of the late 60’s that are my favourites. I have a lot of shift dresses, flat shoes and big handbags in every bright clashing colour combination you can imagine. And they are practical for everyday wear. Plus I have a very 60’s bowl haircut at the moment!

Where did the idea to put on a big event like The Festival of Vintage come from?

Back in 2011 there were very few larger vintage events and none up-north. So being a bit of a ‘seize the day’ kind of girl I set to work creating one! After the first event was an amazing success with thousands flocking from across the UK, I knew I was on to something that could just grow and grow and be a big part of the vintage social calendar!

What is your personal favourite part of the festival and why?

Visitors definitely make the effort and seeing their wonderful period outfits is one of the highlights for me. It makes me smile to think that they have been planning what to wear and really gone to town. Therefore I absolutely love hosting the Best Dressed competition every year. It’s fairly hotly contested and involves the winner from each day getting £100 Cash and a FOV Rosette. The attention to detail is breath taking. This year it’s being judged by Vintage Life magazine which will make it even more exciting.

What sets the festival apart from other events and what makes it special and unique?

Each and every year I add in new features, different displays and talks, to keep it fresh and interesting and so for 2016 we are definitely celebrating vintage fashion and all of its different forms. There is going to be a fabulous display and talks from York Castle Museum who are showcasing a new exhibition entitled “A History Of Shaping the Body”. Marks & Spencer’s Company Archive are sharing their fascinating story ‘From Brassieres to Bri-Nylon: M&S in the 50s and 60s’ and I have also handpicked a fabulous selection of vintage traders from across the UK to sell only the best early vintage fashion in our Vintage Arcade. They save up some amazing pieces to bring to FOV which is really exciting for our visitors.

What advice would you give to people attending their first vintage event?

Here are my top tips for first timers:

• If you are there to soak up the atmosphere, don’t be afraid to talk to other visitors. The vintage scene is very welcoming.
• Embrace the fashion and go to town on your outfit – you are amongst likeminded people.
• If you are there for a bit of shopping, get to the stalls early as one off unusual pieces sell first.
• Finally, if you don’t know how to dance just have a go!

Advance tickets are on-sale now via the website or can be bought on the door priced at £10 per adult per day & accompanied children under 16 years are FREE.

Doors open from 10am-5pm Both Days. York Racecourse, York, YO23 1EX for more information visit www.festivalofvintage.co.uk or call 0113 3458699

If you’d like to win a pair of tickets for The Festival of Vintage, just use the rafflecopter entry form below. There are loads of ways to enter and you can do all of them or just one as you please. Once the giveaway has ended, winners will be picked at random and I will get in touch with you with all the details. Good Luck!