Discover the Twinwood Festival time machine and our what to wear guide
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Time to read 6 min
Ever wished you could press pause on the modern world? There is a place where slipping into a tea dress feels as natural as breathing, and the rhythm of a swing band carries you away to another era.
Every August Bank Holiday weekend, this sprawling vintage celebration transforms a quiet corner of Bedfordshire into a living, breathing slice of 20th-century style. Discover the Twinwood Festival time machine, find out what to wear and darling, yes, you look fabulous in sepia.
Forget the mud and plastic pint cups of your average music festival. Twinwood style is a love letter to the golden age of glamour, and every detail — from the retro cars gleaming in the sun to the impeccably coiffed victory rolls — feels like a portal to an era when getting dressed was an art form.
The magic of Twinwood is in its immersive commitment to period detail. The festival is held on the historic Twinwood Airfield, a location steeped in wartime history and forever linked to music legend Glenn Miller, who performed here in 1944 before his mysterious disappearance. Today, the airfield’s vintage hangars and grassy runways are reimagined into open-air stages, dance tents, and pop-up bars where every chord, every cocktail, and every outfit is steeped in nostalgia.
"Twinwood style is a love letter to the golden age of glamour" |
Unlike a themed party where a token petticoat might suffice, Twinwood invites — no, demands — that you go all in. The result? A crowd so impeccably dressed in vintage outfits, that stepping through the gates feels like walking onto the set of a lavish period drama. Think: 1940s tea dresses, 1950s circle skirts, sharply pressed military uniforms, and the occasional 1920s flapper girl making a bold entrance. Even the accessories tell a story — Bakelite bangles, cat-eye sunglasses, seamed stockings, and red lipstick so perfect it could stop traffic.
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Perfect Cat Eye Sunglasses Shop Now |
Mabel Dress in red Hydrangea
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Kimono in red Hydrangea
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Alana Jumpsuit in navy fan print
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Fashion may be the most photographed part of Twinwood, but music is its beating heart. Across multiple stages, the air is alive with the sound of big band swing, rock ’n’ roll, rhythm and blues, and jazz . The line-up reads like a who’s who of vintage music culture, with bands and soloists who look as authentic as they sound.
Picture this: a crisp August evening, fairy lights strung across the dance floor, a live orchestra in full swing, and dozens of couples twirling effortlessly in their finest. Even if you arrive without a dance partner (or any idea how to jitterbug), the atmosphere sweeps you in — Twinwood’s friendly crowd and expert dance teachers ensure that everyone, from seasoned lindy hoppers to first-time foxtrotters, can join the fun.
And it’s not just about the music of one decade. Wander from one stage to another and you might hear sultry Billie Holiday–style vocals drifting from a jazz tent, only to turn the corner and be greeted by the raw energy of a rockabilly guitar riff. The transitions are seamless — as if the decades have collapsed into one perfect, perpetual night.
"Twinwood Festival fashion is part costume, part self-expression" |
In the same way that Goodwood Revival is as much a catwalk as it is a motorsport event, Twinwood is a fashion spectacle as much as a music festival. The best Twinwood Festival outfits don’t just nod to history; they feel like they stepped right out of it. Planning your outfits becomes part of the joy — and the challenge. Many attendees curate entire weekend wardrobes, ensuring they have a fresh, era-appropriate look for each day and each evening dance.
Think of it this way: Twinwood Festival fashion is part costume, part self-expression, and all confidence. You’re not simply dressing up — you’re becoming a character in a beautifully styled, music-filled film. Morning strolls around the vintage market might call for a breezy 1940s day dress and straw hat, while evening dances demand something more dramatic — a floor-length satin gown, a 1950s cocktail dress with a nipped waist and full skirt, or a sleek 1930s bias-cut number that glides across the dance floor. Shoes, of course, must balance beauty with the ability to dance for hours — which is why many regulars swear by vintage-inspired wedges or T-bar heels.
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Feather bolero Shop Now |
Mabel Dress |
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Teardrop pearl stud
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Swift dress
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While the music and fashion are reason enough to attend, Twinwood is bursting with other delights. The Vintage Market Village is a treasure trove of period clothing, accessories, homewares, and records. Whether you’re hunting for a genuine 1940s handbag or the perfect pair of Bakelite earrings, you’ll find it here — often alongside the stories of the traders who lovingly source and restore these pieces. The festival also hosts hair and beauty parlours , where expert stylists can transform you with victory rolls, finger waves, or a beehive worthy of Dusty Springfield. Make-up artists are on hand to perfect that winged eyeliner or ruby-red pout, ensuring you look flawless for both the dance floor and the inevitable candid photographs.
Food and drink follow the retro theme, too. You might find yourself sipping a gin fizz from a vintage glass, tucking into a wartime-style pie, or indulging in a decadent afternoon tea served on floral china.
Perhaps the most magical thing about Twinwood isn’t the clothes or the music, but the atmosphere. There’s a sense of community here that’s hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it — a shared understanding among thousands of strangers, that we’re all here to honour the same thing: style, music, and the joy of connection .
It’s a festival without pretension, where a first-time visitor in a high-street repro dress is welcomed as warmly as a seasoned vintage aficionado in head-to-toe original couture. Conversations flow easily — about the cut of a suit, the provenance of a handbag, or the perfect place to find authentic dance shoes.
Once you’ve experienced the Twinwood Festival, it’s hard to imagine an August Bank Holiday spent any other way.
By the end of the weekend, you’ll have danced with strangers, laughed over gin fizzes, and possibly bought more vintage handbags than you intended. And why not? At Twinwood, life is meant to be lived in technicolour — with a wink, a twirl, and just a hint of mischief.
P.S. If you’re still wondering what to wear to Twinwood Festival, remember this: choose pieces that make you feel like the leading lady in your own retro romance. Below 👇 you'll find my Twinwood Style Guide, use it as your essential packing list.
Michelle's Twinwood Festival 2025
Style Guide
The beauty of Twinwood is that it doesn’t pin you to a single decade. You’ll see vintage outfits inspired by the 1920s through the 1960s, each with its own silhouette, fabrics, and attitude. Plan Your Outfits in Advance. Curate looks for each day and evening, paying attention to era-appropriate accessories. Don’t forget practical yet stylish shoes for dancing. Pack, and accessorise with intention — and keep your retro style cohesive all weekend x
Twinwood Ideas for day looks
A 1940s floral tea dress with low wedges and a wide-brimmed straw hat.
High-waisted sailor trousers with a striped blouse or jumpsuit with red lipstick for nautical chic.
A 1950s circle skirt paired with a fitted cardigan and kitten heels.
And here’s a tip: twin your daywear with a matching hair accessory — a headscarf, bow, or hat — to give your Twinwood Festival outfit a polished finish without fuss.
Evening Elegance
A 1930s satin gown in jewel tones, paired with vintage drop earrings.
A black cocktail dress with a 1950s swing skirt and layers of petticoat.
A sequinned bolero over a silk slip dress for a 1940s-meets-Hollywood feel.
Clutch bag just big enough for your lipstick, ticket, and compact mirror — because at Twinwood, even your accessories deserve a starring role.
The Perfect Shoes
Remember, shoes can make or break your weekend. Those perfect 1940s reproduction heels may look divine, but after three hours of dancing, your feet will tell you otherwise!
Go for for retro style shoes designed for comfort: T-bar heels, vintage-style wedges, or dance shoes with cushioned soles.
If you’re bringing multiple pairs, wear one for day and save your showstoppers for evening.
Twinwood Accessories
Hats : Berets, pillbox hats, fedoras, or wide brims.
Gloves : Lace for summer, satin for evening.
Jewellery : Bakelite bangles, pearl necklaces, or statement brooches.
Handbags : Small structured handbags or vintage-style clutches.
Retro Style Hair & Makeup
1940s Victory Rolls : The ultimate statement of wartime glamour.
1950s Pin Curls : Soft, feminine waves that pair beautifully with hats.
1960s Beehive : High volume, high impact.
Makeup staples: Flawless matte base.
Cat-eye liner or softly defined eyeshadow depending on your era.
Bold red lips for the 40s and 50s, or a pastel pout for 60s mod looks.
Twinwood Festival
Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August 2025
Written by: Michelle P. E. Scott
Copy Editor: Alana Bowen
