Festival of the 1950s at Beamish

Do you have a period in time that you'd love to live in? My favourite era is definitely the 1950s. I was brought up watching and loving the musicals of the 50s thanks to my Dad, am fascinated by the amazing fashion and hairstyles and have probably watched Grease more than any other film.

So when I heard that Beamish were holding a Festival of the 50s I knew I had to be there! As time machines haven't yet been invented (one day I'm sure it'll happen) Beamish is definitely the next best thing if you want to travel back in time and really lose yourself in times past.

I'm sure you've already heard the news that Beamish plan to open a 1950s town. With a cinema, ice-cream parlour and plenty of new houses and shops to explore. I'm so excited about the new project and really can't wait for it open and the Festival of the 50s was a great little taster of what's to come

The Festival of the 50s was alive with the sound of rock and roll with live performances throughout the weekend and plenty of people dancing the day away without a care in the world. It was great to see so many people had made the effort to turn up in 1950s style outfits and it gave a real feel of how popular the 1950s town is going to be.

Amongst the crowds I managed to bump into my friend Rachel who was getting herself a 1950s inspired hairdo at the hair salon. For a small charge fabulous styles were being created and it was so interesting to see the hairdressers at work. It must have taken ladies in the 50s a lot of time, patience and skill to get their hairdo perfect.

A lot of grips and hair spray later and Rachel had the most fabulous beehive. I have to say it really suited her and judging by the grin on her face she was pretty chuffed with it.

There was plenty going on throughout the weekend including learning about the telephone exchange, discovering the story of the NHS and visiting the 1950s police room.

I particularly loved the 1950s bedroom complete with a rail full of clothes to try on. I can quite imagine myself as a young lady in the 1950s, daydreaming about some teddy boy whilst listening to music on my record player. Someone build me a time machine!

One thing I wasn't really expecting was how much I would fall in love with the cars that were on display. There were some absolute beauties glistening in the sunshine and the red chevy stole my heart. I could only imagine what it would be like to go for a spin as I pressed my nose up against the windows. Gorgeous!

Thanks to Grease I always associate the 1950s with the funfair so I was really excited to see that there was plenty of 1950s fun to be had at the Beamish fair. Simon had a go at the Flying Frogs Hoopla (unfortunately he wasn't very good!)

I had an amazing time being transported back in time to the 1950s and it has just made me even more excited about the arrival of the 1950s town.

Thanks to Beamish for inviting us along to the Festival of the 1950s. Our tickets were complimentary but all opinions are my own.