STYLIST Raye Leonard aims to bring historic flair to this weekend’s Vintage And Retro Festival.

A packed programme of events will be taking place at The Brunel Centre on Saturday and Sunday as part of the festivities.

The venue will also host a range of independent stallholders and traders.

Vintage hair and make-up specialist Raye will be running a pop-up salon from Friday until Sunday to help people look the part.

Raye’s business, Vintage Victory Rollers, provides a full range of beauty treatments.

She said: “I have always been involved in the vintage scene in Swindon.

“I’d go to shows and do hair but over the last year and a half I’ve seen a real increase in demand.

“I think we’ve got to a stage where people who love vintage really want to look the part. That is what I am trying to do.

“I took part in last year’s festival, being based at the Carry On Vintage shop but, thanks to demand I’ve been able to branch out this year.”

In preparation for the event, the Carr yOn Vintage clothing store, run by Steve and Alicia Stuart, has seen lots of people buy retro outfits.

Alicia said: “Women keep coming in and buying ’50s dresses and it is really great to see so many people embracing the event.”

Steve said: “It is a fantastic event which is getting bigger and bigger each year.

“I think it is a massive boost for the town and I think the Brunel Centre deserve a great deal of credit for putting it on.”

This is the second time the shopping centre has hosted the festival.

Other highlights will include car displays and fashion shows and Boswells Cafe will be turned into an American diner.

There will be a motorcycle stunt show in Wharf Green, courtesy of Demon Drome Wall of Death riders.

And on Saturday evening there will be a concert featuring The Excellos, a vintage beat blues band, who will be supported by rockabilly band Lew Lewis and The Twilight Trio.

Jane Stewart, The Brunel Centre’s marketing manager, said:“Last year’s festival was a resounding success and we were inundated with requests to run the event again, so we’re delighted to be bringing it back and making it even bigger this year.”

For more information on the events and to book tickets, telephone 01793 525857.