All enjoy a Vintage Weekend in Wanganui

The sun shone - well mostly - the music played and crowds flocked to the Wanganui Vintage Weekend.

The festival began on Saturday with the Caboodle, a street carnival that featured music, performers, games and other street fun.

There were bands playing throughout the CBD, cafes had tables out on the street, and many retailers had set up stalls outside.

Visitors got into the vintage theme by dressing in period costume.

Yesterday more than 70 vintage cars took part in the Vintage Car Club's Burma Rally, which took cars on a 200km journey Riverside fun

draws a crowdHOT STUFF: Members of Massey University Fire Club entertain the crowds at the Caboodle, from left, Toelen Zero, Bethany Wood and Nicky Strang.PHOTO/STUART MUNRO It's great that the weather's fine. It's nice and relaxed, the music's good, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.Wanganui resident Mike Hughesthrough Wanganui's back country.

Meanwhile, the festival focus was on the banks of the Whanganui River yesterday for Groove By The Riverside.

There was food, music, a cruise on the PS Waimarie and vintage cars to admire. Families danced and brought picnics to eat in the shade.

Mike Hughes, of Wanganui, was enjoying the relaxed vibe of Groove By The Riverside. "It's great that the weather's fine. It's nice and relaxed, the music's good, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves."

Carole Anderson, also of Wanganui, brought her husband and grandchildren along.

"They love the music, and we've all had an ice-cream. It's been fun - a really nice event to have for Wanganui," Mrs Anderson said.

Organiser Elise Goodge, from Mainstreet Wanganui, said overall she was happy with the Vintage Weekend.

"We've had good crowds, and I've spoken to quite a few people who came here from out of town just for the festival.

"The weather held out well, although we did have to cancel the screening of the Charlie Chaplin film because it was threatening to rain, unfortunately."

Ms Goodge said the festival was in only its second year and would probably take a couple more years to cement its place in the calendar.

"We'll run it in the same format next year, but with a few tweaks," she said.

The Vintage Weekend isn't over just yet - today the inaugural Soapbox Derby will be held at Drews Ave. Crews were busy testing the track and constructing the scarily-named "Wall Of Death" yesterday.

Racing kicks off at 9am.