Wish you were here! -- Sutton goes back in time to celebrate seaside heritage

As the sun shone brightly, Sutton on Sea was transported back in time to the charming 1940s, 1950s and 1960s for a day full of nostalgic fun that mimicked the old-style traditional trip to the seaside.

Since starting in 2024, Vintage On Sea has grown as a community event, developed through the Story Tellers arts project, the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, Arts Council England and the National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) project, alongside local partners and organisers including the Sutton Event Group.

The festival celebrates the sights, sounds and spirit of classic seaside entertainment, bringing together local performers and acts from across the country to amuse, entertain and inspire.

At this year's renewal, thousands of visitors enjoyed a lively programme of entertainment throughout the day, including street theatre, live music, dance, stalls, floats and interactive performances.

Highlights included appearances from The Shenanigans, Giant Seagulls, Octopus Ocean, A La Puppet Carte and HMS Pinafore, along with music and dance performances from acts including Skegness and Alford Silver Bands, Rhythm And Steel and Lincolnshire Lindy Hop Clubs.

As well as the performances, the event featured a retro market, classic cars and plenty of vintage-themed surprises, giving visitors the chance to dress up, get creative and fully embrace the spirit of a bygone seaside holiday.

Through Story Tellers, Sutton on Sea has been identified as a ‘creative hub’ site, linked to the new Seaview Colonnade pavilion, and events such as Vintage On Sea showcase the potential of creative activity to bring communities together and animate the town’s spaces.

Cour Graham Marsh, East Lindsey District Council’s deputy leader and representative on the NPO culture board, said: “Vintage On Sea has quickly become a highlight of the annual events calendar, and it continues to be a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities come together to celebrate their roots.

“It was wonderful to see the event return for its third year, bringing creativity, entertainment and a real sense of pride to the area. There was something for everyone to enjoy in a unique celebration of our seaside heritage.”

Check out our photos below from the event. Most have been kindly supplied by Chris Leach. Others were taken by Facebook contributors, including Angela Reeve and Derek McGowan.