Vintage at Goodwood | Review

Chichester, West Sussex

Billed as a "celebration of five decades of British cool", Vintage at Goodwood is not your average music festival. This was an opportunity to take a trip down memory lane in fancy dress while clutching a cocktail in one hand and your credit card in the other. The Faces with Mick Hucknall on vocals provided the musical highlight on Friday, and there were entertaining sets by other veterans such as Heaven 17 and Swing Out Sister, but it was vintage fashionistas decked out in wonderful period costume, not music lovers, who were the target audience.

The setting was beautiful and the festival elegantly designed, boasting a retro-themed high street, Veuve Clicquot enclosure and brilliant period arenas such as the 70s-themed Soul Casino.

But there were too many retail opportunities, especially vintage clothes stalls, and not enough bars. The genteel atmosphere matched the surroundings, as young and old trod round in tweed and nylons, but the whole event felt more like a summer fete than a festival. Still, it was a lovely way to spend the weekend and almost made you feel nostalgic for rationing.

Overheard "Actually, I think the Tanqueray cocktail tent is better than the Veuve Clicquot one."

Best discovery The Chap Olympics –anyone for umbrella jousting and sandwich tossing?

Best act Indigo International: Count Indigo's Swinging 60s nightclub.

theguardian.com/culture/series/festival-watch-2010

Contributor

Akin Ojumu

The GuardianTramp

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