Retro Rocks Nambour 2021 will acknowledge the hard work of our medical workers, fire fighters and all those serving in a ‘Salute to the Services’ themed event. 

Coordinator Kathleen Ashworth said Retro Rocks Nambour was a family-friendly free ‘custom culture’ event, celebrating the 1940s-60s in rockabilly style.  

“This year we’d like to show our appreciation for the services who worked at keeping us safe; through Covid and the bushfires and more. Also it will  make up a little for the reduced ANZAC day services of the last two years. Our era includes WWII and after. So, as well as a services-themed pinup competition and the regular Fashions on the Field and Cool Kids Catwalk, we are inviting anyone with an authentic vintage services uniform – any service, could be army, ambulance or bus conductor – to wear it for ‘Inspection Parade’ in the Council Chambers forecourt and tell the story of the uniform.”

The event will feature a Show and Shine, but as well as the cool custom cars and hot rods, anyone with a vintage service vehicle of any kind is encouraged to enter. 

“We’re very grateful to Nambour Autobarn and our other sponsors who have provided great prizes for entrants,” said Kath. “We are hoping for a tank but haven’t been able to source one yet!”

The Nambour Museum, next door in Bury Street, will also celebrate the theme with more cars and military exhibitions.

Kath said the regular apron-making competition had been modified to fit the theme. “We’re giving a nod to the 1940s ethos of ‘make do and mend’ so entrants will be making their apron out of a hessian bag from Fruity Life Nambour who, appropriately, will be sponsoring the prizes of fruit and vegie baskets and vouchers. 

Saturday’s program in the Council Chambers forecourt includes rock’n’roll dancers, live music, vintage fashion parades and more. “We are honoured to have Queensland Ambulance, the Lighthorse Regiment and Legacy involved. People should be there for Reveille at 9am.”

The weekend kicks off with “D-Day Friday”. There will be cool cars cruising the main streets and “B-Daddy and the Double D’s”, a great rockabilly band, playing at Stalwart Alehouse and Brewery. Sample some of the great eateries in town. Everyone is invited to ‘frock up and rock up’ and, just like the old days, cruise the streets and hang out on a Friday night. Cars registered for the Main Drag Cruise will receive a free beer from Stalwart’s!

The “High School Hop” sponsored by Nambour State College is the only paid and ticketed event for the weekend. “We’re anxiously watching the border situation as the band ‘The Lincolns’ comes from South Australia”, said Kath. “They’re so popular, the Hop sold out in a few days, so it would be very disappointing if they can’t come. Luckily, we do have great talent in Queensland to step up if we need.”

 At a Glance

D-Day Friday – Nambour CBD and Stalwart Alehouse – 13th August from 6pm.

Retro Rocks Nambour – Council Chambers forecourt – 14th August 9am-3pm.

High School Hop with the Lincolns – Nambour State College – 14t August – sold out.

Retro Rocks Nambour is presented by Reimagine Nambour Inc and is proudly sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Council and wonderful local businesses. “We are proud to have been one of the very few events that actually went ahead in all the craziness that was 2020,” Kath said.

• Entry forms and program online: www.nambourretrofest.wixsite.com/retrorocksnambour. enquiries: retrorocksnambour@gmail.com