7th - 9th August 2026 Newbury Showground

Join us for our 26th year of Retro Festival!

Retro Festival - Tickets on sale now

Experience a blast from the past at Retro Festival, where live music, entertainment, and dance take centre stage. Three incredible stages showcase 40 years of timeless hits. Marvel at an array of vintage vehicles, from classic cars to campervans and military transports. Whether you come as you are or dressed in retro attire, our fashion shows and stalls will inspire your style. Enjoy endless fun with fairgrounds, sideshows, delicious food, and lively bars that keep the good times rolling. Retro Festival is an unforgettable journey through time. There’s truly something for everyone!!

Retro Festival 2025 Aftermovie

Stay for upto 4 nights or join us for the day!

Camping & Glamping

You can stay on-site from Thursday 7th until Monday 11th August to ensure you don't miss any of the great activities and entertainment planned across the weekend. You can choose whether to stay for 3 nights or for the full 4 nights!

We also have Pitch Tents joining us for the weekend, make your weekend extra special and stay in the Glamping village in one of the luxury 5 meter glamping bell tents!

Book your pitches here!

Day Tickets

If you don't wish to camp but would still like to join us for a fantastic weekend of activities, entertainment and music, then you can purchase a day ticket. There are two options for day tickets, individual days or a whole weekend pass!

Day ticket holders can access the festival from Friday 6pm until 11pm, Saturday 10am until 11pm, Sunday 10am until 11pm.

Book Your Tickets Today!

Extend your visit with Campsite Finder

While camping on-site is your best option for the show itself (after all, that's how you get access to the evening entertainment!) you can extend your visit either pre- or post-show with Campsite Finder. Our free online database of campsites and touring parks helps you to discover campsites close to the showground, so you can turn your visit into a proper tour.

Find nearby campsites

Great music across 3 stages!

Get ready for a weekend of incredible music across three fantastic stages! Experience the high-energy Rock ‘n’ Roll at the Black Hangar, groove to the Ska and Northern Soul beats at the Ricky Tick stage, or immerse yourself in the timeless Swing tunes at the Spitfire Pavilion. No matter which stage you choose, you’re in for a musical experience to remember!

The Black Hangar - Rock 'n' Roll Stage

If you’re ready to rock, join us for an unbeatable lineup of the best Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rockabilly acts. From start to finish we will keep you moving with an exciting selection of performances throughout the weekend. It boast and amazing 30m2 flat sprung dance floor, so don’t forget your dancing shoes!

See the lineup

Ricky Tick Stage

Each evening, we’ll transport you back to the iconic atmosphere of the Ricky Tick Club in the mid-’60s. During the weekend sessions, we’ll imagine what could have unfolded if the club had stayed open beyond 1967, with an exciting mix of Ska, ’80s Mod revival, and a touch of Northern Soul. Expect a nostalgic yet fresh musical journey through time!

See the lineup

The Spitfire Pavilion

Put on your dancing shoes and join us for the Spitfire Tea Dance, where you’ll be swept off your feet by some of the finest swing dancers around! Saturday night in the Spitfire Pavilion brings top-notch cabaret talent for an evening of unforgettable entertainment.

See the full lineup

Activities

Retro Festival isn't just about great music, there are also lots of activities planned for Adults and families alike! A highlight feature of the show is the extensive classic vehicle show — an expansive celebration of motoring history that goes far beyond just cars! Featuring hundreds of classic vehicles, motorbikes, campervans, military displays, and more, this show is perfect for hardcore vehicle enthusiasts as well as families looking for a fun day out.

Classic Vehicle Show

The Retro Festival Classic Vehicle Show isn’t your typical car show—You’ll see a wide range of vehicles, from beautifully restored classics to unique custom builds. The highlight? Every vehicle at the show is either over 30 years old or custom-made, giving you the chance to explore rare and iconic machines you won’t find at any other festival in the country.

Find out more

Shopping Village

The Shopping Village is an experience in itself, featuring over 200 stalls that stretch from the iconic Black Hangar all the way to the lively Ricky Tick stage. Open from Thursday evening for campers, and then from 10am until late on Friday through Sunday, it’s the perfect place to explore whether you’re after unique finds, festival essentials, or a fun-filled shopping adventure!

Find out more

Spitfire Vintage Market

The Spitfire Vintage Market is a vibrant indoor shopping experience nestled next to the iconic Spitfire Pavilion. Hosted by Isabel and her husband Tim, this market is a great destination for vintage lovers and retro enthusiasts. With an eclectic mix of stalls offering everything from jewellery and art to fashion, accessories, vinyl records, home decor, and even artisan food and drink, the market is a must-visit during your time at the festival.

Find out more

Vingtage Fun Fair

Get ready to relive the thrills of a bygone era at the Vintage Fun Fair, a centrepiece of Retro Festival that’s packed with classic rides and attractions for all ages. Located just outside the Black Hangar music venue and open until late, this enchanting fairground brings timeless fun for kids and adults alike.

See what rides are at the fair!

Wall Of Death

The Ken Fox Group's Wall Of Death has been travelling and entertaining audiences since the 1920's. This not to miss show involves vintage Indian Scouts and 20ft high vertical walls, you need to see it to believe it. The noise, the speed, the smell, the proximity of the bikes ridden to the top of the wall, barely 6 inches from the audience - an experience never to be forgotten.

See more from the Wall of Death!

Military Display Area

Step into the world of military history at the Military Display Area at Retro Festival. This fascinating section of the festival brings you up close to some of the most iconic military vehicles and equipment from the past, offering a unique blend of history and excitement for visitors of all ages.

Explore more in the Military Area

Dance Classes

Make friends, have fun, and dance the weekend away while staying active—no gym required! Choose from three fantastic dance class styles: a Jive workshop in the Black Hangar, Gloster Swing sessions in the Spitfire Pavilion, and a Northern Soul Workshop in the Ricky Tick. Let the rhythm move you!

More About The Dance Classes

Food & Drink Markets

After you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, or danced yourself off your feet head over to the nearby food markets, where you can grab a bite to eat while soaking in live music and entertainment. There are 3 food and drink markets across the festival outside all of the main stages!

Fuel Your Festival Fun

More Information

FAQs

If you cannot find the information you are looking for check out our frequently asked questions to see if your question has already been answered. If not our brilliant customer services team will be happy to help!

Go to FAQs

Flags blowing in the wind on the flag stand

Book a Stand

Book a stand and you’ll join many businesses that return year after year, thanks to the fantastic sales and the vibrant atmosphere.

Book A Stand

Show Your Vehicle

We would love to have you show your vehicle at Retro Festival 2025 and look forward to seeing all of the incredible vehicles you bring along.

Show Your Vehicle

Contact Us

Can't find what you are looking for? Don't worry, contact one of the team and they will get back to you as soon as they can with an answer.

Booking Retro Festival - FAQ

What is the size of a pitch/accommodation?

Pitches are marked out at 10m x 8m, if your vehicle exceeds this please let us know and we will try to accommodate.
What time can we get there if we are camping?

Thursday & Friday 8am to 9pm. Late arrivals will be asked to return in the morning. We do not have any overnight holding areas.
How do I access the site?

Please follow the road signs for our Camping Gate, from there we will scan your tickets and issue you with your wristbands. If you are Glamping, Club Camping or EHU you will be given a window card and a marshal will show you to your area.
Is there an area for Blue Badge holders?

Whilst we don’t offer a blue badge ticket we will always try to get anyone with a blue badge as close to the facilities as we can. Please speak to the staff and marshals on the day.
Will I be given an allocated pitch? / I want to camp next to my friends?

Pitches are allocated when you arrive. If you would like to camp with friends, please ensure you have booked the same rally area and that you arrive at the gate together.
What time do we have to be off the camping site?

You have to be off site by 12pm on the Monday unless prior arranged.
Can I bring my own food and drink?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drink, however this must not be consumed within the festival limits and must be kept within your camping pitch.

Camping at Retro Festival - FAQ

What is the size of a pitch/accommodation?

Pitches are marked out at 10m x 8m, if your vehicle exceeds this please let us know and we will try to accommodate.
What time can we get there if we are camping?

Thursday & Friday 8am to 9pm. Late arrivals will be asked to return in the morning. We do not have any overnight holding areas.
How do I access the site?

Please follow the road signs for our Camping Gate, from there we will scan your tickets and issue you with your wristbands. If you are Glamping, Club Camping or EHU you will be given a window card and a marshal will show you to your area.
Is there an area for Blue Badge holders?

Whilst we don’t offer a blue badge ticket we will always try to get anyone with a blue badge as close to the facilities as we can. Please speak to the staff and marshals on the day.
Will I be given an allocated pitch? / I want to camp next to my friends?

Pitches are allocated when you arrive. If you would like to camp with friends, please ensure you have booked the same rally area and that you arrive at the gate together.
What time do we have to be off the camping site?

You have to be off site by 12pm on the Monday unless prior arranged.
Can I bring my own food and drink?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drink, however this must not be consumed within the festival limits and must be kept within your camping pitch.
What do I do if I am camping as a Classic Vehicle Exhibitor?

Please see this information below.

Arriving to Retro Festival - FAQ

Is First Aid available?

First Aid and a Paramedic team are available during the festival.
Are there cash machines on site?

No. The nearest cash machine is at Chieveley Services.
Are there toilets and disabled facilities?

Yes, there are both.
Are there showers and toilets?

Yes, showers and toilets are provided.
Is water available?

Fresh water is available from standpipes situated at the service points around the site. However, we recommend you bring some water with you, due to the amount of campers filling up, resulting in low water pressure throughout the showground.
Are there Elsan Points?

Elsan and Grey waste disposal are located around site.
Can I use a generator?

Yes, but only between 8am-10pm for two hours at a time. We would ask all campers to be considerate of their neighbours when it comes to using a generator. 
Can I have a BBQ?

We do ask that you only use purpose made BBQs and keep them raised off the grass, removing the risk of fire. No open fires allowed at any time.
Can I buy gas on site?

Yes, you will be able to buy gas on site. Thursday – Sunday (9am – 6pm)
Can you bring your own chairs?

Yes you can.
Are Security staff on site?

Yes, they are. If you experience any difficulties or have any problems at all while at the festival, please report it to any security stewards on site straight away.
Is photography permitted?

Cameras for personal use are welcome, no professional filming or photography is allowed. Unless prior permission is obtained from Retro Festival.
Please note that visitors might be photographed by Retro Festival and may be used in Retro Festival promotional literature.
Liability for Damage/Loss/Injuries?

Retro Festival does not accept liability for personal damages, losses or injuries sustained at this event – including damage and losses to property and motor vehicles.
Smoking Policy

Smoking, including E-cigarettes, is not permitted in any buildings or marquees.

Facilities at Retro Festival - FAQ

Is First Aid available?

First Aid and a Paramedic team are available during the festival.
Are there cash machines on site?

No. The nearest cash machine is at Chieveley Services.
Are there toilets and disabled facilities?

Yes, there are both.
Are there showers and toilets?

Yes, showers and toilets are provided.
Is water available?

Fresh water is available from standpipes situated at the service points around the site. However, we recommend you bring some water with you, due to the amount of campers filling up, resulting in low water pressure throughout the showground.
Are there Elsan Points?

Elsan and Grey waste disposal are located around site.
Can I use a generator?

Yes, but only between 8am-10pm for two hours at a time. We would ask all campers to be considerate of their neighbours when it comes to using a generator. 
Can I have a BBQ?

We do ask that you only use purpose made BBQs and keep them raised off the grass, removing the risk of fire. No open fires allowed at any time.
Can I buy gas on site?

Yes, you will be able to buy gas on site. Thursday – Sunday (9am – 6pm)