Vintage Nostalgia Festival

Stockton Park,  Nr Warminster, Wiltshire.Words & Photography: Paul Bussey for Classic American.

.Situated in the beautiful Wylye Valley in Wiltshire, Stockton Park enjoys a wonderful arboreal setting, where for the last seven years, it has been the home of the Vintage Nostalgia Festival, which has evolved into major must do event, conceived and organised by Russell and Eve Topham and team. The event celebrates everything that’s best about vintage, retro and nostalgia, with a large trade area selling a huge variety of goods, all very much in keeping and connected with vintage and classic!

Ladies can have their hair set in the styles of yesteryear, courtesy of Pearl’s Pin Up Parlour, there’s even a gents barbers. Entertainment is a major attraction of the VNF, with a huge variety of music to enjoy, both during the day and at night. Vintage and classic cars are also very much at the forefront, with Yanks, hot rods and specials, mixing well with all kinds of other vehicles. The VNF is a place to camp for the weekend, if you wish, in a tent, caravan or campervan, or merely come as a day visitor. It’s a place to relax and chill out with family and friends, enjoy all the varied entertainment on offer, in the most delightful of settings. If you only ever attend one event a year, make it the VNF, you won’t be disappointed.  Where dressing up in period clothing, whether it be military, or civilian, is actively encouraged!

Denise Spencer drove to the VNF from Surrey, in her recently acquired 1954 Cadillac Sedan, owned for just four months, which was imported from Malta. “It’s our  first run  out with the car today,” she enthused. “We initially had a few problems with the electrics, so we had to get them sorted before venturing too far, but we’re had a lovely two hour drive from home this morning. The Cadillac is fully loaded with many options, including a continental kit.”

Equally impressed with his recent purchase was Barry Dunwoodie, who drove up from Hampshire with his 1951 Pontiac Chieftain Streamliner. “When I first went to view the Pontiac, the vendor opened up the garage door and I saw the back of the car and I knew I had to buy it,” says Barry.  “It wouldn’t have mattered if it had been a non runner, simply just looking at the styling would have been sufficient for me! I’ve completed a little work, mainly on the braking system and the car drives very smoothly, it’s an absolute delight being behind the wheel.”

Another car attracting plenty of interest was a new build special, based loosely upon that of a  single seater Harry Miller car, being created by Lamb Engineering. The alloy bodywork has been fabricated by Tony Taysom, the front axle and hub spindles machined by Lamb Engineering and power for this car is courtesy of a 1949 8EL Lincoln 337cu in engine. It certainly looks most impressive with excellent quality workmanship.