Line Up

If you've been to the fair before you'll know we are more than just a shopping event.  We bring together a selection of cracking musicians and entertainers for the day..... we know you like to plan your day so here is the line up

Fun of the Fair

With just a few days to go you should know by now that we are hosting the infamous Secret Vintage fair at Colchester Town Hall in the High Street in an iconic baroque building with plenty of history and grandeur. Taking place on 25^th April 2015, foor open at 10:30!

TOWN HALL.

A focal point in central Colchester, the Town Hall makes an impressive venue for the event from the moment you arrive, as you step in and sashay up the Italian marble staircase to explore and probe merchandise from our traders, watch the performances and indulge in the catering specially prepared for the Secret Vintage Fair.

 ENTERTAINMENT

Our aim being to cover more than just one traditional era or style to bring a dose of vintage with a modern twist. Our trusty host throughout the day is the glamorous Talluah Goodtimes who will be playing and announcing other acts and musicians to keep our guests amused.  DJ Tallulah Goodtimes is the Queen of the Goodtimes Swing, an accomplished Elcectro-Swing DJ who expertly mixes vintage classics with modern electro beats. This talented lass also sings, so as well as hearing her tunes and introductory dulcet tones, we’ll get a blast from her lungs.

Watch out for new family friendly Burlesque group, showcasing a completely non-risque routine perfectly suitable for young eyes, plus folksy jazz duo The Twisty Turns.

There’s no better way to showcase some of our vintage clothing sellers than with a live fashion show.  Visitors will be treated to a selection of the best looks and styles from the past brought straight to the catwalk. Outfits will of course be available to buy direct from the seller and we’ll be flagging them all so you know exactly who to go to. The fashion show will be hosted by the delectable Alice D’Lumiere from ‘Nothing Up Our Sleeves’.

REFRESHMENTS

There will be a vintage style tea room presented by local business Ruby’s Vintage Tea Party who will be stocked up with a delicious variety of cakes and treats, light lunches, traditional teas and coffees.

For those partial to something a little stronger there will be an artisan vegan organic real ale bar propped up by the award winning Pitfield Brewery. Enjoy a selection of guilt-free bottled beers and ales on tap as this thoughtful and environmentally friendly company work their way to operating as a carbon neutral business.

BEST DRESSED

We will be holding a ‘Best Dressed’ competition on the day. Those interested in taking part can put themselves forward although we’ll be buttonholing the lookers ourselves! Enter for £1, all of which goes to The Tom Bowdidge Foundation, your photo will be taken for memory and social media purposes. The Best Dressed shortlist will be selected by our judges and announced on our Facebook page the following week. Likes and votes for favourites will be taken into account before the final decision is made. The victor will receive a £20 voucher for East Coast Diner, VIP entrance to the next Secret Vintage Fair where they can have a professional photograph taken by SJR Photography.

CHARITY SUPPORT

We are pleased to be supporting the Tom Bowdidge Foundation this year. A locally based charitable trust launched by Tom’s parents, Richard and Nikki on the anniversary of his 20th birthday. Tom died of a desmoplastic small round cell tumour and extensive peritoneal disease in October 2013, at the young age of 19. Headquartered in Colchester the Foundation’s goal is to raise funds to support research projects and to provide physical and emotional support to teenagers and young people with cancer. More info can be found at the website.  We hope to raise as much money as we can for this magnificent foundation through a proportion of the door fee takings, donations given to the team onsite, an organised raffle, Best Dress competition and a percentage of sales from other onsite activity.

EVENT DETAILS

Saturday 25th April, doors open at 10:30am – 16:00pm, with the first 25 visitors through the door given a special goody bag featuring gifts and discounts from sellers on the day. The entrance fee is just £3 (with a proporation going to our chosen charity), accompanied under 15s go free, plus watch for the special discount voucher in The Gazette prior to the event to receive £1 off entry.

Christmas Fair: Festive Teaser

It's nearly here!!  Our Christmas fair on the Saturday 29th November and we thought we’d give you a little sneak peak of all that is going on at our venue Liquid, High Street Colchester.

A Very Vintage Venue

Built in 1905 as the Grand Theatre, Liquid has been many things in it’s over 110 year history, from cinema to discotheque and now, once again it will be full of our festive vintage fair!

We will have two floors of stalls ranging from vintage clothes, beautifully made crafts, eclectic homewares and much more for you to enjoy. It’s a perfect way to start your Christmas shopping though we can’t promise you won’t want to keep it all for yourselves. The second floor also has a beauty parlour to make sure you look divine for the day including vintage hair styling, make up and a new addition for the fair, a nail bar.

Once you’ve shopped till you dropped at the stalls and glamoured at the beauty area, you can settle down for a scrumptious piece of cake and refreshing cup of tea with the pop up tea rooms from Ruby’s Vintage Tea Party.

More than Just Shopping

We have entertainment on the day from the wonderful Fox, Wiggle and Sass, a 3 piece who sing the 40s, rock and roll the 50s and swing the 60's as well as some Christmassy numbers to keep us all moving. 

Comparing for the day, as well as singing herself, is the spectacular Tallulah Goodtimes, who will be keeping the music flowing throughout the day in her usual brilliant style.

Also a new addition to the fair this time, will be dance workshops from A2 Jive who will be hosting two 45 minute workshops during the day- the first at 11am is Swing Jive and at 2pm it’s Wartime Dance Party. Each session costs £3 per person and it is recommended you bring a partner.

Charity

As always with Secret vintage events, a proportion of the door fee and proceeds from the charity raffle goes to charity- this time we are supporting Age Uk Colchester. Although known as Age UK Colchester the charity is a small, independent charity affiliated to the national body and is responsible for its own finances and fundraising. It receives a small grant from Age UK England and another small grant from Colchester Borough Council but must raise the rest of its funding itself and is therefore heavily reliant on donations and grassroots fundraising. Age UK Colchester operates a number of services to benefit the older people of Colchester and its surrounding environs, including an Information Service; an Advice and Advocacy Service; a Consumer and Energy Advice Service; a Legal Advice Surgery; an Osteopath Surgery; and various social clubs and activities throughout each month

See you TOMORROW!!!

Summer Teaser: Colchester

With only 4 days to go till our first fair of this year, we thought we would treat you to a little tease of the day's plans for our next fair at…St Helena School, Colchester.

Tom "Swing Gypsy" Bond

Mr Swing Gypsy aka the lovely Tom Bond will be delighting us all with his musical prowess throughout the day, showing off his self-taught DJ skills playing some of the finest electronic swing, jazz, blues, gypsy and Balkan music he can muster. Find him on the main stage all through the day.

Hannah Iris

And then we'll be soothing you with dulcet tones of the fabulous Hannah Iris. She specialises in 1940's music, including all the classics and looks just the part. She has 2 sets on the day, look out for the times as you walk in.

More Music and Fun

All of the corridors of the fabulous St Helena are going to be filled with music as we have a brilliant selection of buskers serenading you as you walk your way around. Plus this August see the return of the fashion show and we couldn't be more excited. Expect to see delights from the likes of Best Day's Vintage, Kitty's Cottage, Mary Lou and more, each with their own theme, modelled by a beautiful array of lovely people and the best part? You can buy the items afterwards as they will all be for sale on the day. 

Tea Rooms

We don't just like to keep your shopping arms happy at the Secret Vintage Fair, we also have your tummy's in mind with our delightful pop up vintage tea room from our scrumptious local, Ruby's. They will be serving up a delicious selection of cakes and sandwiches, all washed down with a vast selection of tea in their beautiful vintage tea sets.

Workshops

Another thing which is back after its hiatus is our workshops being run by Cherry on Top Millenary, who is running fascinator workshops and Cakey Girls, who are showing you all the favourite vintage hairs styles. Both of these can be booked through our Facebook page.

The Main Event

Now it's time to hear about the main event, our fabulous vintage traders. We have over 50 bringing the best, vintage and retro pieces they can find from their stores. Think vintage items that you've been dreaming to buy, reproduction dresses that will fit you like a glove, cute homewares that will brighten up your rooms and so much more. Don't forget the first 25 people in our entry queue receive highly sort after, exclusive goody bags full of unique gifts from our traders and select businesses.

Doing our bit

As always we are supporting a local charity, Colchester Mind., the leading mental health voluntary organisation for Colchester who has been helping to improve the lives of people throughout North Essex since 1985. Not only will a percentage of the entrance fee go to the charity, all of the raffle and other delightful donations all through the day.  

As always we like to give you more, so our infamous raffle is back with its usual array of spectacular prizes which include afternoon tea at Jaqueline's Tea Room, family photography gift experience worth £16, custom made felted mounted deer head and more. Tickets can only be bought on the day for the price of 50p a ticket, all of which goes to our chosen charity, Colchester Mind

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday for the return of the best vintage fair in town!

Folk East Preview Part Two: Shopping and Festival Tickets Giveaway

Last week we told you about the musicians to expect in the Secret Vintage Fair tent, and here are some of the highlights to expect from our traders in the marquee.  Plus... scroll to the end to find our special Secret Vintage Fair giveaway, giving you the chance to WIN 2 tickets to Folk East worth £212!!

Revolver Retro are coming along with some special vintage festival accessories

Lego Monki will be there with their usual special brand of quirky homewares.

Vintage Fever will be bringing a host of vintage loveliness

Lesley's Girls will be there with a range of reproduction vintage dresses as well as their true vintage selection

Local Colchester shop keepers Best Days Vintage will be along with their vintage festival gear.

But there are more traders including Revolver, Electric Vintage, What's Your Tale Nightinagle, Susanne Hamelet, York House Vintage, Super Queenie, Speckled Hen, Rocking Dolly, Warped and Weft and more!

And the giveaway to win a pair of tickets to Folk East for the whole weekend...you can enter in a whole host of ways, the more entries you do the more chance you have to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Folk East Preview Part One: Secret Vintage Music

We're all set and excited for our repeat appearance to Folk East at Glemham Hall in less than three weeks, in this blog post we reveal what music acts we have booked in for your delight in the Secret Vintage Fair tent. Look out for part two later this week where we are hosting a giveaway to win tickets to the festival plus we'll tell you what special vintage traders we have hand picked for the event.

Tallulah Goodtimes

Tallulah Goodtimes, the international queen of goodtimes swing will be spinning some laid-back tunes and singing some of her favourite jazz classics and remixes. To find out more about her visit www.tallulahgoodtimes.com.

The Broken Maps

The Broken Maps are an East Anglian based acoustic folk/pop duo composed of singer-songwriters Leah Hammond and Stuart Sale.  Hammond and Sale met in 2001 during college where they quickly formed a songwriting partnership and were the principle songwriters of Essex based indie band The Flukes for 2 years. 

Late 2013, Hammond and Sale decided to get songwriting and performing together again. This time round drawing on a more diverse range of influences, resulting in an output of a more mature and crafted sound, capturing their unique chemistry and close bond in their songs and performances.  www.thebrokenmaps.co.uk

The Hat Check Honeys

The Hat Check Honeys are - quite simply - indescribable! But we'll try.....amusing, talented and quirky these two gals will have you eating out of their hands in minutes. Combining the rich, powerful voice of Helene Hyland and the sublime piano and accordian playing of Julie Robinson they cover a huge range of musical styles - all of them vintage!! Classic jazz, blues and swing, French cabaret, 20s speakeasy, comedy numbers from around the world and a bit of old London cockney thrown in, its a feast of musical variety. And no cutlery needed...... Find them on You Tube and on Facebook.

The Hokum Boys

Equally at home busking on the streets or playing pubs and clubs The Hokum Boys will bring you their own take on some classic blues and jazz standards. With a smattering of smut and some tongue in cheek humour their simple stripped down acoustic style would be recognisable to hokum boys of old. Sung with passion and feeling this is uplifting music to make you feel good inside just as singing the blues should. The Hokum Boys are Kev Wortley guitars/ vocals, Lee Addison vocals/ harmonica. Contact then via their Facebook page or by e-mail kev.wortley@yahoo.co.uk

Meg Burrows

A merge of creative minions, Meg is a writer, poet, singer/song writer and if you ask, face painter, who spends far too much time travelling on trains and eating bourbons. She started writing songs in her parents kitchen when she was 14, although, you could say her first song was actually written on the swing when she was 3 about the clouds. She plays a little piano and tiny amount of 'postcard' guitar, so she is very lucky to perform with her good friend Jonathan Coy, an excellent guitarist born & bred in Suffolk. Find her on Facebook here

Christmas Teaser

This time next month we'll be celebrating Christmas Day, yet in as little as only 5 days, we'll be celebrating the next The Secret Vintage Fair! So we thought we would tease you a with a little of what to expect on Saturday 30th November 2013..in the TOWN HALL, COLCHESTER HIGH STREET.

The Shocking Caro Emerald Tribute

This Caro Emerald Tribute is set to not only emulate the smoldering vocals of the songstress but to be a very close look alike to the glamorous singer. Caitlen Bailey, who performs this sensational Caro Emerald Tribute, has an uncanny visual look of Caro, with her curvy figure and dark tresses. Caro Emerald herself said “I thought it was me!” in a recent BBC interview and went on to say “It’s so well done!” Here is the interview: http://youtu.be/Ncy4CMKpyQE?t=9m45s. Caro Emerald herself personally invited Caitlen to her 2012 sell out concert guest list at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and also took the time to have a photograph together at the end of the show. The band members joked “this is the new boss!”. And so we are thrilled to have this lovely talented lady performing for us, and we know she will bring a fantastic musical treat for all our visitors! She will be playing 3 slots throughout the day so hopefully whatever time you visit you'll get the chance to hear her fabulous voice.

More music and acts

Caro is not the only one we have to look forward to we have a selection of other acts from acoustic to vocalists.  And once more back to amaze and astound us are the fabulous Nothing Up Our Sleeves magicians.

Father Christmas 

We are honoured with a visit from the big guy himself, coming full of festive joys and presents for the kids. He has also kindly agreed in this season of good will to help us raise money for our supported charity- St Helena Hospice, so if you want to have a word in his ear about what goodies you would like come Christmas Day, then please give generously.

SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING!!

What would the Secret Vintage Fair be without our wonderful traders- from vintage clothing to homewares. Handcrafted accessories to bottled cider. Plus the usual hair and beauty section and a vintage photo booth.

Season of Good Will

As always we are supporting a lcoal charity, this time St. Helena Hospice.  This cause is one close to the hearts of the organisers and they have pulled out all the stops to help raise money for the cause.  With firstly a percentage of door fees going direct to the hospice, followed by 100% of raffle proceeds... but that's not all The Secret Vintage Fair will be launching the limited edition vintage calendar at the fair, with 100% of proceeds going direct to them. The printing of the calendar has been kindly sponsored by the big hearted and very wonderful team at Alphaprint.

And as it is the final day of Movember we are helping to raise awareness for the month of chap's health.  We have our own Movember space here and we are going to crown the Secret Vintage Fair Mo King where the crowned King can win a cash prize as well as the highly coverted Mo King t-shirt. Entrants must be raising money for Movember on the Movember space (we ask you join the Secret Vintage Fair team so we can see help support you) and come down to our vintage photo booth to get your photo taken and enter the Mo King competition!

And if that isn't enough...

The Secret Vintage Fair are thrilled to be hosting the fair from the Town Hall, as after the fair the Christmas lights are turned on in Colchester form the balcony of the town hall... so come along to the fair and hang about afterwards for more festivities!

We are also thrilled to have joined forces with fantastic local restaurant the Lemon Tree, who are offering a meal deal for any Secret Vintage Fair customers (see terms and conditions in the below offer poster)

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday on what should be a truly spectacular festive treat!

With all festive wishes,

The Secret Vintage Fair Team xx

Preview: Saturday 27th July in The Old Hippodrome

As always before our events we present to you a little teaser of what you can expect at The Secret Vintage Fair this Saturday at The Old Hippodrome on the High Street!

THE VENUE!

As a building of over 100 years old it is filled with delightful nooks and crannys for vintage intrigue.  We have the use of the entire venue from the main stage where our music acts will perform, to the upper dress circle (as it was previously called when it was a theatre) to The Gods above the stage.

LIQUID NIGHTCLUB as it used to be!

SHOPPING....

We have a uniquely customised selection of vintage, craft and handmade sellers which fit with our event, the venue and the location.  And as always we only ever provide you with the finest purveyors of excellence, and many new ones this time too!  Don't forget to look out for exclusive special offers from our traders on the day too!)

                                                        ....& REFRESHMENTS!
We have not one but TWO tea rooms for you to enjoy- all served with a traditional vintage twist, plus Liquid will have a small bar open on the day should your require something a bit stronger! (ID may be required if you look under age!)

MUSIC!

As with all our fairs we are more than just a retail experience; we want to give you a full vintage day out, so we have sourced some of the best vintage performers around to delight you.  From the local surf band The Q-Trons, to the sultry tones of soul trio The Amorelles, plus our regular vintage DJ Sukie, soloist Katie Peacock, Soulful Duo Megan Burrows with Jonathan Coy, and The Hat Check Honeys...plus fresh from their stint at the Maverick Festival, and before they head off to Camp Bestival, The Ragged String Band!  The day will be packed with music on the main stage as well as upstairs in The Gods. In addition to musicians we will have some close up magic from some fantatsic local conjurers with just a hint of the steampunk.

Katie Peacock

The Ragged String Band

The Amorelles

PRIZES!

With goody bags for the first 25 people through the door - we're starting the day as we mean to go on! You can also win one of the many raffle prizes on offer (only £1 pound a strip) including a day's hire with The Little Beach Hut Company, a tour and wine tasting for 4 at Dedham Vale Vineyard and many more offerings from our traders. 

LOOK YOUR VINTAGE BEST!

With a large hair and beauty parlour you can make sure you are looking your vintage best for the day (and night) ahead. 

We have commissioned a film crew from Colbridge Videography to film a promotional video for The Secret Vintage Fair so please be aware there will be filming on the day... you may want to dress to impress!  PLUS we are giving one lucky person the chance to win our best vintage dressed competition, so make sure you don your vintage finery, get those locks coiffed and get spotted by one of vintage judges.  The winner will get one of our VIP goody bags.

The fair takes place on Saturday 27th July, 11:00 - 16.30. Entrance is only £3.00 (plus a discount voucher is available from The Gazette), and accompanied children under 10 get in free.  .

Preview: Saturday 29th June

The time is drawing near for this Saturday's Secret Vintage Fair in Ipswich Masonic Hall, and so we thought we would whet your appetite with a bit of a preview of the event and let you know what you can expect (if you have been to our fair's before you will have an idea, but we like to make sure it is different every time!)

The Venue

We're hosting the fair in the historic and atmospheric Masonic Hall, 8 Soane Street, Ipswich, opposite the entrance to Christchurch Park. 

Entertainment

Joining us at the fair we have some amazing and talented vintage inspired performers: The TestostaTones, The Uke Lady and the gypsy jazz duo Mando du Maroc, interspersed with the dulcet tones of DJ Sukie and her vintage set.

Shopping

We have a stalls ranging from vintage fashion, to retro art and design... and everything in between.  You will see some of regulars there, plus new faces.  And we vet every trader to make sure that only the finest quality traders sell at our fairs, and we ask our traders to offer an exclusive deal only for Secret Vintage Fair customers, so you may just grab yourself a bargain!

Goody Bags

Once again we are offering the first 25 people through the door VIP goody bags, including a selection of vintage and retro goodies, the bags are beng provided by Boutique 65, with contents being contributed form a variety of traders- including LegoMonki, Amelie Rose Jewellery, Mary Lu Vintage, What's Your Tale Nightingale and more.

Charity and Raffle

As you are probably aware by now we are supporting St Elizabeth Hospice for this fair, through a proportion of door fees and by the charity raffle.  This time round we have had some amazing raffle prizes donated by traders and local businesses alike- see the facebook album for full details but here is a taster of one of our donations- a LegoMonki clock that retails for around £15.

So now you know what to expect, get up early, get glammed up and we shall see you at the fair on Saturday!

The Secret Vintage Fair takes place on Saturday 29 June 10.00 - 16.00. Entrance is only £1.50, and accompanied children under 10 get in free. Delicious homemade refreshments will be available all day from the Secret Vintage Pop Up Tea Parlour and the first 25 people through the door get a VIP goody bag including vintage and handmade goodies from our traders.