“The weekend has been better than we could have hoped for – it’s been fantastic!”

The words of Mandy Polkey, Managing Director of Stir Events, organiser of the Shake & Stir Vintage Festival.

The weather may have done its best to rain on the Southbourne event – which was returning after a three-year absence – but the wet, and the wind, failed to deter crowds of almost 20,000 attending over the two days.

Vintage lovers, classic car enthusiasts, Southbourne locals, and holiday makers gathered to enjoy the live music, car displays and vintage fashion.

This year, for the first time, the live music included the sound of the 70s, with local band The 79 bringing back Blondie and other hits from the decade.

There was also music from earlier decades, with performances from The Fifinellas and Retro Rita, as well as Jitterbug dance classes, keeping the vintage feel for which the festival is known.

Fan favourite DJ Dave and the festival’s headliners, Earl Jackson & Stompin’ Dave, also delighted the crowd, even stepping in with a memorable, improvised second set at the last minute.

Meanwhile, X Factor contestant Russell Jones Jr didn’t just wow the crowd with his vocal range but also enjoyed dancing with some of the audience.

Mandy, pictured left, said: “People were clearly ready for a party and a celebration, coming in their thousands in the wind and rain, so we’re really pleased to have been able to deliver that for them.

“Seeing live music again was great and the whole crowd started dancing, which was wonderful to see after the year we’ve had.

“Everyone who came respected the Covid measures we had in place but didn’t let anything stop them having a good time!” 

This year, the festival also raised money, through an art trail and auction, for Dorset charity MYTIME Young Carers, which supports children and young people caring for a family member.

Artists, Dhanraz Ramdharry and Lucan Art, created pieces specifically for the occasion, which formed a trail throughout the festival site and local high street.

The fundraising idea was met with such enthusiasm that it will be developed into another event in the future to continue raising valuable funds for MYTIME.    

Mandy added: “We faced a lot of challenges trying to organise the festival this year and I’m delighted we managed to overcome all the obstacles and throw an absolutely wonderful party.

“It has only been possible thanks to the hard work of all our team members, volunteers and sponsors, so a huge thank you to everyone involved.

“Bring on Shake & Stir 2022!”  

• shakenstirfest.com

Gallery – all pictures courtesy of Paul Thompson/Oakphotography

• Dorset Biz News was proud to be Official Media Partner for this year’s Shake & Stir Vintage Festival. Our thanks to Warrior Agency, Oakphotography and, of course, Mandy Polkey and Stir Events for their help and support.