EXCITMENT is mounting for Swindon’s very first Vintage and Retro Festival.

The two-day extravaganza held by the Brunel Centre will see hundreds of fashionistas, lovers of kitsch and retro music flock to the town centre on Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2.

At 11am and 2pm each day, shoppers will have the opportunity to learn how to jive for free at the Brunel’s 1940s teach-ins on the stage of the arcade.

In the Plaza 1950s-style performers will show off their best moves at noon and 3pm each day, and invite shoppers and guests to join in.

A large marquee with stalls will sell jewellery and collectibles.

To complete the event, 30 vintage cars and motorbikes will be displayed on the Parade. There will also be live entertainment and dancing throughout the town centre.

The festivities will culminate on Saturday in a family-friendly live music show starting at 6.30pm. Bands performing will include Sugar Belles, Josie and The Outlaw, Hot Tin Roofs and Gene Gamble and the Shufflers.

Steve Fawke, general manager of The Brunel said: “We’re expecting the dance teach-ins to be really popular and a lot of fun. There’s no charge for taking part and we hope that shoppers will stop a while and join in the fun.

“In the evening cafes will stay open late and serve non-alcoholic drinks during the family music night.”

There will be entertainment outside the centre too with busking sessions from Ode and The BeBops outside Argos in Wharf Green from noon on Saturday. Josie and The Outlaw will be posted outside of Debenhams from 1pm on Saturday and perform in aid of charity Goldenhar Family Support UK.

Sunday will see more busking from 11.30am in Wharf Green and at the junction of Regent Street and Canal Walk with performers such as Imperial G Men, Charlie Anne, The Taillights and Roadhouse Roosters.

Tickets to the live music evening on Saturday are available from the Centre Management Offices and cost £5 or £15 for a family of four.