A TOWN is gearing up to turn back time today for the return of a popular retro and vintage festival in Ulverston.

Retro and vintage festival Retro Rendezvous is returning in full force at its new venue of Ford Park.

Last year’s event saw vehicles and motorbikes from the 1940's up to the present day make an appearance over the two-day event, which took place in September.

This year’s event is due to open tonight with the Old Time Sailors in the big marquee at Ford Park.

Old Time Sailors is a flashmob musical show designed to take the audience back in time through an unforgettable trip to the 19th century.

This is the only paid event at the festival with tickets available from the Retro Rendezvous website.

This is followed by another 13 free acts over June 11-12, ranging from brass, through the Spiratones, to rockabilly and the Sad-Eyed Puffins.

If this isn’t enough, the Coro are also in on the act, with the Northern Soul show ‘Northern Live, Do I Love You’.

A spokesman for the festival said: “Retro Rendezvous is a full weekend of fabulous retro fun. Music, food, dance, clothes, markets, cars, motorcycles, drink and the famous Velo Retro old school cycling events through the Lake District.

“It’s about as much fun as you can have with your retro clothes on. Entry to the festival site for most events is free of charge.”

There will also be food, a bar, vintage and retro stalls, classic cars and motorcycles and the Velo Retro vintage cycling event.

The festival will take place from 7pm-10pm today, and from 11am until early evening on Saturday and Sunday.

The event will remain largely free, supported by a small number of ticketed elements, and fundraising events.