Retro Festival lets the good times roll
MUSIC played, the people danced, and the good times rolled at the Guernsey Retro Festival over the weekend.
Songs, classic vehicles, vintage motorbikes and rockabilly outfits came together in the former flower market in Town.
It was a step back in time to the 50s, 60s and 70s; with a vintage diner, rock ‘n’ roll dancers, burlesque dancers, and even dad dancers.
On Friday night 500 key workers were given free access and free food and drink, to say thank you for their commitment on the frontline during the pandemic.
The theme on the first night was the 70s, and headline band was Buffalo Huddleston.
Saturday switched to the 60s with mods and ska, and there were children’s dance lessons and a wheelchair dance in the daytime. On Sunday some of the island’s older generation, including care home residents, took part in a tea dance and were given cake and a cup of tea.
One of the organisers, Dennis Le Prevost, said an appreciation of music means having a good understanding of the past.
‘I think the music lives on throughout the decades. People love the songs that they grew up with so they can hear their kind of music, and it’s the sights and sounds, and there are people actually dancing routines rather than just shuffling about on the floor, we’ve learnt to do a rock n’ roll dance, we’re doing an Abba routine and a Night Fever routine.’
Another organiser Jeff Fox summed up the appeal of the celebration.
‘Retrospectively if you look back on your life your dad always told you it was better, your granddad always told you it was better, and you know what, it was.
‘We had a nine year old perform on stage, so we’ve given him a big stage. He brought his own electric guitar, and that’s the generation we’re bringing along, and for a lot of the young bands that play corporate events and events at school they’re used to people standing with their backs to them, they love our crowd because they’re all dancing, and it’s made people realise that they need to sing songs with lyrics.’
Money raised went to local charities, Men’s Shed, Male Uprising Guernsey, and electrical wheelchairs were presented to St John’s Ambulance Service.
