So arriving at the Vintage at Goodwood site I was filled with excitement and anticipation; I could not wait to see all the vintage outfits, meet with some fabulous friends, spot Lily Allen and shop around the high street and vintage market. “When in Rome”...
Walking along the path up to the ticket area I was shocked; I had not seen one other person in vintage. With not a victory roll in sight and surrounded by a sea of denim and fleeces I reminded myself that the previous day the site had experienced a downpour of unexpected rain and that maybe people were just prepared for the worst and that a costume change was going to happen on site. Seeing as Vintage at Goodwood was the event where glamour and festival merge?
Once you had made your way through the fairy lit path way to the site you were confronted with a number of fabulous vintage cars and bikes all leading you to the central point of the festival; the man made high street. The high street shop fronts included a “Beauty Box” where you could go to get your hair and makeup done by the fabulous Lipstick and Curls girls. A cinema that was screening vintage classics such as “Bugsy Malone” and “The Lavender Hill Mob”. A museum of “Future Vintage Classics” which according to Hemingway will include a stack of pizza boxes, yellow pages and crocs. A curry house, a pub, a gin sponsored bar, Bonham’s auctioneers, a Vintage at Goodwood gift shop, a fashion pavilion that showcased fashion shows throughout the day including the “Bathing Beauties” pop up show orchestrated by Miss Naomi Thompson from Vintage Secret. Fortnum and Mason had a huge presence on the high street as did John Lewis, The Body Shop and The Style Studio which was sponsored by none other than PRIMARK!!! This confused me as when I think British I think Marks and Spencer’s...not John Lewis. When discussing all things British and cool I never think of Primark!? No, it just never comes up. I understand that events need to make money by getting sponsorship, but for an event to spam my Facebook feed constantly telling me all about how wonderfully true Hemingway’s designs are to all things vintage and cool I have to say I was more than disappointed.
Walking around the site was pleasant enough but for such large grounds the high street was small as was the market place. The vintage stalls were tiny and often had one to four different stall holders under them. Just with their staff members and their stock, the stalls were packed and UN inviting. I managed to walk in to one only to retreat in an instant. My fabulous buddies and I searched long and hard for Lily Allen and her new vintage venture, but it did not exist at Vintage at Goodwood. For a music event the tunes were sparse to nonexistent. I have been to Glastonbury festival a few times and the music starts at 10am and yes it is mainly bands or musicians you have never heard of but that is part of what makes a festival great. I love discovering new music and having music playing throughout the day can create a wonderful atmosphere. With all the really great vintage tribute bands in this country I was really confused why Vintage at Goodwood just wasted their stage space with air throughout the day?! The music did not start till the evening...why?
In conclusion Vintage at Goodwood promised to be the event that celebrates vintage fashion and music...apart from my style gallery post I did not see as much vintage as I would of liked. I saw fancy dress and fleeces. I saw a band playing vegetables under a clock tower in the afternoon but as far as music goes...I did not see any and yes I paid £55 + £5 parking for the privilege.
Don't take my word for it...
More Vintage at Goodwood reviews:
Diary of a Vintage Girl
Vintage Secret
Amelia's Magazine
Retro Chick for Queens of Vintage
London Plinth
Mien Magazine
Alex Loves
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