Life is (and always has been) better down by the sea
A vibrantly vintage festival, ‘Down by the Sea’ is going to be arousing nostalgia at camping oasis, Trevornick and the sensational Holywell Bay this September. On September 3rd & 4th, this unique and quirky event will be taking visitors back in time, while celebrating the marvellous style of the British seaside from the early 1920s through the 1940s to the 1960s.
The two-day festival, with sponsors that include Cornishware, Cornish Sea Salt, Tyrrells and Pinkster Gin, will offer original surf riding on wooden boards, picnics with wonderful wicker baskets, and classic cars, not to mention strumming ukuleles, a vintage coach to the beach, Lindy Hop and Swing dancing lessons and vintage hair and makeup workshops. With the addition of the famous Sunday morning Vintage and Surf Jumble, what reason is there not to kick back and enjoy a weekend by the sea celebrating a stylish look back at our stunning seaside heritage?
Kicking off at Trevornick’s Clubhouse on Saturday from 10am with an array of vintage and surf stalls, the first day will be followed by the Bellyboard Club’s ‘Best Board’ contest on Saturday evening. There will also be nostalgic film screenings at the Clubhouse throughout the weekend. Sunday will see the arrival of the classic cars at 8am, and from noon, visitors can indulge in picnics in the park and take part in the World Picnic Awards while having fun creating traditional style picnics and taking the time to savour the simple pleasures of sharing good quality food and drink in the great outdoors – whatever the weather.
Down by the Sea has been organised by photographer and classic car stylist John Isaac and Sally Parkin of the Original Surfboard Company. They have worked together since 2008 to re-style and revive the original pastime of surf riding on wooden boards. They were both committee members of the World Bellyboarding Championships for a number of years. They have also curated surf riding vintage parades at other festivals and recently set up The Bellyboard Club.
Event Organiser, John Isaac, says, “Famed for its relaxed seaside vibe, Holywell Bay is an impeccable location for us to hold this festival – plus the earliest footage of surfing in the UK was recorded here in 1929. Located overlooking the beach, with immaculate wide spaces, Trevornick is the absolutely perfect host. We go all over to vintage fairs and absolutely love the passion for these types of events. We’re really looking forward to ‘Down by the Sea’ and hearing everyone’s tales of times gone by. We hope it really connects people. For those entering any of the many competitions over the festival, remember, the more vintage, the more kitsch, the more decadent wins and as far as the World Picnic Awards go, Teddy Bears get bonus points!”
You can attend the event for the weekend with camping at Trevornick or buy a one day or two day pass. Under 12s go free and both Trevornick and Holywell Bay are dog friendly.
To find out more about the festival, how to purchase tickets, a trade stand and how to pre-register your pre 69 Classic for a chance to win coveted best vintage, see the website here: http://www.letsgodownbythesea.com/#home. Alternatively, call 0789 4207084 or 07989 351257 or email letsgodownbythesea@gmail.com.
