Vintage At Goodwood, Goodwood Estate, Chichester, August 14

3:30pm Monday 16th August 2010

By Rosie Clarke

The first Vintage At Goodwood festival welcomed a diverse range of history and fashion fans, from fashionistas teetering on improbably high heels to Mods, Teds and members of the 1940s Society who celebrate the past every day. This emphasis on dressing-up led to an endless parade of glamorous posing, particularly around the vintage cars, motorbikes, scooters and caravans spread across the fields.

Makeovers, sewing and “upcycling” classes were already booked up, but I had a 1940s hairstyle created by a travelling Lipstick And Curls stylist.

This was a festival for people who don’t like festivals: no litter, clean toilets, and gourmet food options – although the £8.50 salads led to a long line for the £3 cheese on toast option. Even though the fashion shows, tea dances and popular food stalls were extremely busy, most people queued politely.

In addition to the crowded scrum in the vintage shops, the corporate high street showcased vendors such as Fortnum & Mason, John Lewis and Primark.

At the Vintage Catwalk Theatre’s Catwalk Of Our Lives, George Lamb admitted he had only turned up 15 minutes beforehand, and sent his models down the catwalk in generic 1990s attire.

In contrast Brix Smith-Start shared her personal journey from music to marriage to designer style guru, even displaying her wedding dress as part of the story.

Sudden rain showers couldn’t dampen people’s enthusiasm: most whipped out umbrellas and raincoats, while those who were less well-prepared sought shelter and started chatting. One gentleman informed me that we didn’t need to fear a Glastonbury-style mudbath, due to the chalk soil providing excellent drainage.

Art highlights included the kitsch Caravan Gallery’s photos of strange UK sights, from a resigned dog in a burgundy shellsuit to furious signs written by exasperated shopkeepers.

After watching a documentary about Joe Strummer screened inside a converted bus, the Earth, Wind And Fire Experience on the main stage seemed underpowered and anodyne, despite enthusiastic dancing from the three singers – the rockabilly and big band performances in other tents were more fun.

There were numerous options to entertain children, and the whole experience offered one interesting day, rather than a whole weekend of fun.

In future years, more practical workshops, lessons and opportunities to have a go at activities would be very welcome.