Dorset’s favourite Shake and Stir Vintage Music Festival is back next month – but in a brand new ‘At home’ format.

Over the last few weeks many of this summer’s top festivals and live events have, understandably, been cancelled in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But Southbourne’s popular community-focused festival has decided to do things differently.

So the Shake & Stir vintage music and lifestyle festival returns on June 27 and 28 but as an online ‘home edition’ event.

It will be streamed across various social media channels and its website www.shakenstirfest.com.

The celebration of all things vintage will feature more than 30 bands and performers alongside ‘The Greatest Bartender’ challenge (in association with BH Area Hospitality Association and Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association) and a variety of traders, showcases, competitions, masterclasses, displays and more.

Festival Director and lead organiser, Mandy Polkey, pictured left, said: “Our spirits all need a lift at the moment.

“It’s been a tough old time for everyone which has made us determined to ensure the festival goes ahead this year in some form.

“Our team are very excited about doing this online event.

“We hope that it will be great for the community and help to promote some of our wonderful local businesses, musicians and traders at a time when they really need our support.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to all the amazing acts donating their performances to make this unique event happen – thank you!”

If you love rock’n’roll, swing, rockabilly, jazz or wartime music then tune in from 10 am on Saturday, June 27, via Facebook (@shakeandstirvintagefest), YouTube or the festival’s own website.

Acts include The Jive Aces, The Zoots, Little Dave and the Sun Sessions, Victory Sisters, Miss Annie, Rip It Up and Junco Shakers with many more to be announced.

There will also be plenty of opportunity for community participation through online activities, workshops and competitions including:

• A beer masterclass from Brewhouse and Kitchen.
• Burlexercise training with Victoria Sparkles.
• Jive dancing competitions judged by Jitterbugjive.
• ‘Show and shine’ competitions for classic cars and motorcycles.
• How-to guides for dressing vintage (with a modern twist!).
• Vintage fashion  from Bombshell Chic and The Attic.

For more on the festival’s line-up and activities see www.shakenstirfest.com.

To be involved or learn more about trading during Shake & Stir – Home Edition, please email [email protected].