THE SHAKE & Stir Vintage Festival is making a return to Southbourne this August, after a two-year absence.

The festival will feature vintage fashion, local traders and live music playing the sounds of the 1920s, 1970s and everything in between.

This year, the celebration of vintage will also be raising money for MYTIME Young Carers, a Poole charity supporting children and young people caring for family members.

Managing Director of Stir Events Mandy Polkey said: “Last year we had a fantastic virtual festival, which was a great success; however, I am excited to get back out this year and see people face to face.

“Community is such a massive part of Shake & Stir, it’s the heritage and origin of the festival, so I’m really excited to see the whole vintage and local community celebrating its return together.

“Things are going to look slightly different this year, as the event will mostly be taking place on Fisherman’s Walk. With live music stages and over 120 local businesses getting involved through performances and stalls, it will be the fabulous, fun-filled weekend we know and love.”

Shake & Stir has welcomed visitors for almost a decade, attracting 34,000 people to the last physical event.

This year’s weekend event, which will be held on August 7 and 8, will include performances from The Fifinellas, DJ Dave and Retro Rita, as well as previous X-factor contender Russell Jones Jr.

Visitors can also expect to see the crowning of this year’s Vintage King or Queen, an appearance from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and dance classes for all ages.

Three evening events will also be held in Southbourne as part of the festival, including a launch party at Ludo Lounge on Friday, the Saturday night party at Brewhouse & Kitchen, and the Sunday wrap party at The Grove Tavern.

There will also be an art trail and auction to raise money for MYTIME Young Carers, who support children and young people caring for a family member.

Dorset artists, Dhanraz Ramdharry and Lucan Art, will be exhibiting vintage music-themed pieces created specifically for the occasion.

Before being auctioned at Brewhouse & Kitchen at 6.30pm on Saturday August 7, the art will be dotted around Southbourne high street and the festival site to form an interactive trail for families and those looking to purchase a piece to follow.

Community Development Manager at MYTIME Young Carers Maria Tidy said: “Children and young people who care for family members face a difficult task at the best of times, and over the past year, where social isolation has been worse than ever, especially for those living with vulnerable individuals, it has been far from the best of times.

“So, we want to thank the Shake & Stir team, and all the artists involved, for supporting our work, it means so much to us and our young carers.

“After a challenging year, especially for local businesses and performers, it feels like Shake & Stir is just what we all need: great music, feel-good fun and, hopefully, some sunshine.”