Page 30 - VE Magazine - Issue 26

places
When ATOMIC first burst onto the scene, many wondered if we really needed another vintage event? Now, as we eagerly await the third amazingly atmospheric Festival, we are all wondering how we ever did without it!
THE FIRST THING that strikes the thousands of visitors to Atomic is that it’s different. The organisers live and breathe the glamour of the 1950s; it’s their passion, and it shows... they do it incredibly well. From the first view of the magnificent Big Top as you approach the Festival; to the lines of vintage caravans on dis- play, you know this is going to be special. The amazing Art Deco entrance to historic Sywell Aerodrome heightens anticipation and being greeted by the Atomic Bombshells resplen- dent in their stylish scarlet red 50s airhostess uniforms is a treat from a bygone age.
Entering the show, the first sensation is one of huge excitement as the shrieks and laughter of the skaters on the aptly named Rock’n’Roller
Rink draw your gaze. Already smiling you pro- ceed into what feels like a giant Mid-century State Fair – even more so because it seems that everyone is dressed in a dazzling array of vintage clothes. This area is dominated by the towering original lighthouse Helter Skelter, period dodgems and sideshows, together with fun attractions, including a crazy golf course complete with its own mini helter skelter and attendants dressed in their period perfect brown overalls... There is no ‘rule’ on dressing up at Atomic, but the crowd are so smartly dressed it really does feel like stepping back in time and it naturally creates an atmosphere which other festivals can only hint at.
The shopping experience is a delight, with
a wide range of specialist clothing dealers in a beautiful traditional marquee, and walkways of the most fabulous vintage and retro stalls. The organisers are well known for only having the very best traders at their shows – some from Europe and even a couple from the USA! The selection is simply mind-boggling and it would take more than a day just to get round them all!
Love Mantiques? Then get yourself along to the car show where hundreds of glorious pre ‘63 cars and trucks and displayed, then off to the Drag Strip and race car pit area, where the famous Gasser Circus race their cars head to head along a 1/8 th mile track. Drool over the hot rods and huge classic American cars being put through their paces – you can even
30 / February-March 2016 / ve www.vintagexplorer.co.uk