A RETRO festival will take on a distinctly medical theme as its organisers pay tribute to the much-loved NHS.
From July 14 to 16 Ulverston will roll back the years as it celebrates all things retro and vintage.
This year the organisers of Retro Rendezvous are calling on the public to pull on their nurse's cap and dust off their stethoscope as they pay tribute to the health service.
Karen Robinson, 54, from Ulverston, who is one of this year's festival organisers, says this year's theme has a personal connection.
She said: "Because the NHS was founded 70 years ago, I just thought what an excellent idea it was at this time to remind people of where we came from, and where we are going."
Mrs Robinson moved to Furness in 1981 to train as a nurse. She still works in the profession as a surgical care practitioner at Furness General Hospital.
She said looking back at the history of the NHS was a keen interest of hers, and what inspired this year's festival theme.
She said: "It's a subject that I really like, we've seen so many changes and I felt some nostalgia. I was trying to encourage people to think about how great it is."
In light of the theme, Mrs Robinson is encouraging people to wear anything hospital themed to this year's festival. She added that the costumes of Call the Midwife could provide ample inspiration for festival-goers.
If there is interest, Mrs Robinson is hoping to organise a memory booth for the festival. She is asking people who have old photos of the hospital, medical tools or old uniforms to bring their collection along to share their memories, and even help put names to faces.
People who want to find out more about the festival, the theme, or what to do with photos, can contact Alan Brenton on 07536 103499.
As well as the theme, there is a lot on offer during this year's festival.
Music, food, dance, cinema, clothes, cars, motorcycles, drink and the famous old school cycling event will keep all this year's attendees entertained.
Velo Retro runs for the duration of the event. Having preceded the main festival by one year, this is now a welcome fixture for everyone from families to hardened bike-riding professionals.
The easiest ride is called La Loafeur, which is 47km and aimed at people who aren’t regular riders. À L’ancienne Classic is a more intermediate ride at 85km, with a checkpoint at the Sir John Barrow Monument. The Mighty Corinthian is a whopping 300km, which is the longest retro bike ride in the world.
The opening night is the big live music performance: Jackson Sloan and the Rhythmtones headline at the Coronation Hall.
Throughout the Saturday, on the outdoor Brogden Street stage, music runs from 10am to 4pm, and there will be appearances from Pete's Record Hop, Dalton band The Prophets, acoustic pair Fuse Duo, Mark Cumberland as Elvis, and 1920s-inspired act the Blue Heaven Jump Band.
An exciting showcase of classic cars runs throughout the whole weekend in New Market Street and Theatre Street car park, and the vintage marketplace will be in place through the streets and in the Coronation Hall, with the Vintage Tearoom also returning for the event.
For a full programme and for event details, click here.
Related content:
Read more about what is on offer at this year's festival
This year's Heart of Ulverston Awards are open - click here to nominate a worthy recipient
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