This time last year I saw a lot of my vintage friends talking about a marvellous vintage event in Doncaster.

Now I don’t think Doncaster is somewhere you would automatically think of as being the centre of vintage happenings, however I saw lots of photographs and social media posts all talking about a wonderful weekend of dancing, food, gorgeous outfits and more.

Of course, I was gutted to have missed such an event, but a few weeks later I saw notifications of the same event for 2023!

The Earl

That is where things went a little downhill, as it was massively subscribed to and unfortunately I had missed the boat.

The organiser, Mark, told me that he would put me down on a reserve list and if anything became available, he would let me know straight away.

Fast forward a few months and that email arrived in my inbox.

What a Reception!

Of course, I snapped up the opportunity and waited for the weekend to arrive when I could get dressed in my finery and meet friends and strangers who would become vintage friends!

Last Friday I drove up to Doncaster to the hotel where the event was to be held; The Earl of Doncaster.

I am not sure quite what I was expecting, but it certainly was NOT the stunning art deco 1930’s looking establishment whose car park I drove into!

Off To My Suite

The car park was absolutely packed, but I managed to snag the last remaining space, before heading into the rear of the hotel to check in. I had a suite booked, as this literally was the only space that Mark had available, and I do love a little bit of luxury.

Situated on the 3rd floor, I went to check out my suite before going down one floor to the room where the marvellous Michaela Betty of Edelweiss Hair was set up alongside Karen of KDB Vintage Hair.

I had booked an appointment to get my hair styled as I knew it would be easier and les stressful than trying to do it myself after a long car journey.

Home For The Weekend

Double checking the time of my appointment, I was a little early so I decided to go back to the room, unpack and make a cup of tea.

My suite was absolutely stunning. white walls, flooring, bedding, and furniture. The suite was open plan, with a large glass panel that acted as a room divider/headboard.

There was a large modern bathtub with a waterfall tap that stood affixed into the floor. There were tension wires that held up cheeky photographs which gave a little privacy when sitting on the toilet.

Brilliant Bathroom

A huge walk in shower was also in the bathroom, however I wanted to spend some time in that huge bath!

After I had my cup of tea, I went back to see Michaela Betty who was going to style my hair. Now as my hair is considerably shorter than previously, I wasn’t sure quite what she could do for me but she said it would be no issue to come up with something.

I showed her my half-hat that I will tell you more about in this post, and she recommended curling the back of the hair, pinning it and styling the front with some backcombing and specific hair placement to create a high front, with curled sides.

Marvellous Michaela Betty

Sitting comfortably, listening to old time music, I noticed several boards containing hair flowers, accessories and pins all created by Michaela Betty.

Being the magpie that I am, I couldn’t resist looking at a few of them. In fact, the prices were so very reasonable that I chose four or five as a treat.

Michaela Betty did a fabulous job of my hair and I absolutely loved the finished look. I had told Michaela Betty that I had a choice of two outfits and depending on how the hair looked with my half hat, it would cement the choice in my mind which one to wear that evening.

Styling Supremo

As it happened, Michaela Betty placed that hat on for me and it looked just wonderful, so I knew I would be wearing a specific dress that night.

I had several outfits in mind for the weekend, including a red sequin velvet gown from Shein that I had shown on social media back in November. I hadn’t however, had an opportunity to wear it to an event and so this was the perfect chance to do so.

After my Instagram post, I had been in touch with the creative genius of Sarah Bloor, who you may know from “Pin Up Curl” to commission a ‘half hat’ to match the red sequin gown.

Almost Done!

All I requested was a red tassel on one side, but otherwise Sarah had complete control over the project. I was NOT disappointed when I received a box filled with the most beautiful creation; red velvet with glittered edges and a red tassel on one side.

I knew it would look amazing with that sequin dress and put it to one side to save for the event.

Hat and Hair

Now was the time for its debut; the hair and hat looked wonderful and all I needed was the finishing touches. I took extra care with my make-up and added some vintage earrings and a pair of red satin glitter ballet flats, I was all ready to hit the ballroom.

Friday night was going to be a slightly less formal affair than Saturday, however it was still going to be an evening of music, dancing and mingling.

Putting On The Ritz

The evening event had music from Kalamazoo, Miss Marina Mae and the brilliant DJ, Major Swing. Now as much as I love to dance, I also love to watch others dancing.

I can’t currently join in, so watching talented ballroom, swing and jiving couples gives me great pleasure. After watching for a while, we were advised that the food was served.

Ready To Go

This was a hot and cold buffet and included samosas, cold meats, sandwiches, quiche, coleslaw, chicken goujons, sausage rolls and slices of pizza.

It was all exceedingly tasty and when we were advised that seconds were available, everyone went back for some more.

What A Room!

Sitting on a table for twelve, it was lovely to meet some new people, as well as familiar faces. I had already spotted some people I have known for quite awhile from previous events and I made sure to go and have a chat with them during the course of the weekend.

The delightful Yvonne and Dawn, with their respective partners looked delightful and I watched as they swirled around the floor to the amazing music, both live and from the DJ.

Earl Meet Goddess

My red dress was quite popular; so many people came to say how much they loved it and that I resembled Jessica Rabbit!

What compliments indeed.

Delightful Decoration

During the course of the evening, a few of us wanted to get some shots down in the reception area where there was an old fashioned slot machine, art deco furniture and murals.

In the main dining room/bar there was a stunning Steinway grand piano and I knew I would have to make use of that at some point during the weekend.

Deco, Darling

For now though, I made do, posing and pretending in front of the camera. The shots were hilarious and I finally played it serious and got some proper pictures too.

It had been quite a long day and although the band was still playing and the night was young, it was bedtime for me.

Hit The Jackpot!

I headed up to my suite and put the kettle on for a nice cup of Earl Grey before I went to sleep.

There was going to be a busy day ahead on Saturday including dance classes, photographs and music.

Deco Darling

Till next time.

SPSG xxx