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Fanciforia Foxglove and Soda Fontaine at the VVDO. Image by Emma Joyce.
Auckland’s Alexandra Park is set to host a crowd of lovely ladies and dapper gentlemen as The Very Vintage Day Out returns for its fifth outing on April 9th. A celebration of vintage culture, the VVDO is a popular festival which transforms the raceway into a vintage mecca with all-day entertainment, fabulous shopping, activities and festivities for everyone. Top vintage sellers from all over the country offer fashion, beauty, homewares, knick-knacks and everything in between, so shoppers can enjoy perusing a cornucopia of wares from over fifty stalls. The action continues again through Sunday with The Very Vintage Weekend Tiki Party making a welcome return for those who want to enjoy a weekend of vintage-inspired fun.
“2016 is a special year for us as we are so excited to be celebrating the VVDO’s fifth birthday,” says Talia Stephens, Organiser and Founder of The Very Vintage Day Out. “Our event has grown so much over the past few years and we’re so thrilled with the huge support the VVDO has and how many people travel from all over NZ to spend the weekend with us. We have another amazing weekend planned with top-notch entertainment and some of the best vintage shopping that you’ll find under one roof. We’re pleased to bring back the popular Tiki Party on Sunday as well and are looking forward to another great turnout for the weekend. We’ve got a few new delights to share with our fans and we can’t wait to see everyone at Alexandra Park soon.”
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Miss Monique Sweet at the VVDO. Image by Jana Greissner.
The Miss Pinup New Zealand 2016 is the highlight of the afternoon and sees ten terrific ladies compete for a coveted crown. The talented contestants will put their vintage skills to the test before a team of judges who will mark the women on their poise, knowledge and vintage styling. This year, internet sensation Miss Victory Violet will lead the judging panel, bringing the experience she has gained as Miss Viva Las Vegas 2015 and Miss Pinup New Zealand 2014 to the table. Since winning her first pageant in 2014 Miss Victory Violet has gone on to be an internationally recognised Pin up star with an ever-growing social media following.
Headlining act ‘The Gramophone Band’ will bring their old school cool and dulcet tones to the stage with a set that swings from the 1920s through to the 1960s. The entertainment line-up also includes the Darktown Strutters and Sisters of Swing who will help keep everyone’s toes tapping all day long.
It wouldn’t be a birthday celebration without cake so this year a bake-off will be taking place so the VVDO can blow out its fifth birthday candles. Entrants can choose to bake either a cake or a savoury pie and the delicious results will be judged on the day. Since vintage is all about re-using and re-styling classic fashion, this year the VVDO is hosting an upcycling competition and the entries will be modeled on the runway for the judge’s decision. Milliner and vintage aficionado Amy Jansen-Leen will provide her knowledgeable opinion and winners will be rewarded with sewing prizes to further their skills.
The ever popular high tea returns again this year to offer attendees tempting delights while they enjoy the day, and tasty food stalls will be available in the outdoor area for those who want to take in the vintage car display while enjoying an appetizing treat or a cool drink. Also making the most of the beautiful outdoor setting is the photo safari where budding and professional models and photographers are paired up to create wonderful vintage-inspired images. If you’re keen to learn some new skills there will be vintage-style workshops not to mention a curve confidence panel session from Team Pinup. Every year attendees are also encouraged to dress in the spirit of the day with great spot prizes for the best dressed ticket holders.
The Very Vintage Day Out 2016 promises to be bigger and better than ever and there is definitely something to delight everyone with a whole weekend’s worth of entertainment and enjoyment on offer. They have just released a beautiful teaser video on YouTube and Early bird tickets ($18 each) go on sale Friday 29th January from the VVDO website.
Ladies and soldiers at the VVDO. Image by Jana Greissner.
Images from The Very Vintage Day Out