Shaking new festival for Dorset

Jive Aces

Jive Aces

A new Dorset vintage festival springs into life in June 2013 at Southbourne on Sea.

The four day ‘Shake & Stir’ extravaganza should have something to appeal to all the family, and all ages, not just vintage fans.

Festival organiser, Heather Martyn said, “There is an undeniable interest and passion for all things vintage, it’s probably about the nostalgia, glamour and appeal for ‘step back in time’ romance. We’re planning to bring a fabulous event to Bournemouth that will appeal to everyone, and will hopefully become an annual attraction.”

The ‘Shake & Stir by The Sea’ festival will feature live music, fashion, films, art, entertainment and classic vehicles, taking place in the main festival arena by Café Riva on Southbourne cliff top. Top music acts including Si Cranstoun, the Jive Aces and the Regular Joes will all be headlining in the arena; plus in addition there will be many other family friendly activities taking place throughout Fisherman’s Walk and Southbourne Grove.

Heather added, “We’ve got some of the best musical acts lined up, so we’re expecting to see lots of jump, jive and swing. We’ll have burlesque and jive dance classes, head turning vintage fashion, lots of stalls, plus food and drink. It’s an exciting programme of events and we hope it will be a really vibrant atmosphere.”

Shake & Stir by the Sea takes place from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd June 2013. The main arena for stalls and bands is located overlooking the sea providing the perfect backdrop for this celebration of seaside vintage and retro culture and nostalgia.

Tickets are now on sale. A full festival ticket is £35 for adults, and £22 for children. Friday evening tickets are £10.00. A one-day ticket for Saturday or Sunday arena events just £15.00 for adults and £10 for children. Children under 5 go free.

Cllr Chris Mayne who is also helping to organise the Shake & Stir festival commented, “This is really exciting for Southbourne. We’re hoping this will be an annual event bringing people into the area in a fun, authentic and imaginative way. As well as the ticketed events in the main arena, there will be plenty of other things throughout Southbourne that are totally free and family friendly. Many shops, bars and restaurants are getting involved. Make sure you get it in your diary!”

The Shake & Stir Festival will be officially opened by Bournemouth’s Mayor Cllr Rod Cooper on Thursday 20th June at 6pm at Fisherman’s Walk bandstand where there will be lots of free events throughout the evening until 10.00pm, including Frank Sinatra tribute act Anthony Adams.

To purchase tickets online or for further information visit www.southbournefestival.co.uk