Nighthawks Vintage Dance Club has been running in London for 6 years, and has become one of the most popular events in the UK for lovers of the music, dancing and culture of the jazz era. We run large ballroom events with live music supported by DJs playing only vintage 78rpm records, and are a favourite among swing dancers and vintage revellers alike.

The Nighthawks Summer Weekender is our first event spanning an entire weekend, and our first one outside London and outdoors. Running from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening, we have two stages with live acts and DJs, with many other attractions and activities. The event is on the Blackpit Estate in Buckinghamshire, part of the wider grounds which also contain Stowe, one of the landscape creations of Capability Brown. For the three days and nights we are there, a small but perfectly formed section of the grounds will be transformed into a haven for those who love all things swingin’, jumpin’, rockin’ and rollin’.

Our two main venues are under cover – one is indoors (a barn-turned-pub), and the other is a restored 1963 Dodgems track with roof. So you’ll be protected from the elements if they decide to show up (which they won’t). Our other smaller venues (also fairground structures) are covered as well.

The festival is a co-production of Uptown Swing and The Artful Dodgems. The latter is a new company specialising in reviving tired old structures from the fairground and carnival worlds, and producing content that brings them to life. One of The Artful Dodgems (Richard) is Artistic Director of Uptown Swing, so this event was a no-brainer, and a match made in heaven for vintage revelry in vintage venues. For more information on The Artful Dodgems, check out the website.

You don’t need to have been to dance classes to have fun at any Nighthawks event, and especially not this one. There’s lots to do and see, and a variety of music styles to enjoy. We can’t wait to see you there!

Connect on social media:
SAY YES to the Nighthawks Weekender FB Event
JOIN the Uptown Swing FB Group
LIKE The Artful Dodgems FB Page
FIND US on Instagram @uptownswing and @theartfuldodgems

Have a browse of the gallery below to get a feel of the events we have run in London. The vibes will be even more electric for the weekend festival.