Maibell & The Misfires play two sets at the Helsinki Vintage Festival.

Celebrating Finland’s love affair for all things vintage, fans of the burlesque, bouffant and swing have a treat in store this March. The already well-established Helsinki Vintage Festival will be held at its new, larger venue on 7 March at the Cable Factory. With over 2,000 visitors at the last gathering on 29 September 2009 organisers are pulling out all the stops with a programme that promises something for all lovers of the vintage lifestyle.

Maibell & The Misfires, a rockabilly band that performs 50s and 60s tunes as well as original numbers, will play two afternoon sets, at 13:30 and 15:30. There will also be Pop Poetry, a unique blend of music and movement, old poetry with new poems, dialogue and singing. For art lovers or just the plain curious, there’s a burlesque photo exhibition. With roots going as far back as the 1800s, burlesque is a great mixture of humour, gorgeous costuming, theatre, music and performance art. The photos feature recent performers from Helsinki Vintage’s burlesque events.

For those with their blue suede shoes on Carin and the Blue Velvets will be there from 11 o’clock onwards to keep the dance floor scorching as well as DJ Fiona Timantti, playing tunes from the 1930s to the 1950s with a playlist from swing to smooth jazz. Tasty tidbits from yesteryear will also be on sale at the cafeteria.

TANIA NATHAN - HT