Edinburgh  Today

Portobello Golden Days Festival

14 June 2003

The 'Old Days'

Portobello (or 'Porty') was a popular seaside resort for Edinburgh's citizens and visitors from further afield in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Valentine Post Card

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There were still busy days as recently as the 1950s and 1960s. 
 

Portobello Beach

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A Golden Days Festival was held in 2002, and attracted 4,000 visitors.  There were classic cars, swing dancing, archive film shows, donkey rides and live bands,  to bring back some of the enthusiasm of earlier days.

2003 Festival

The 2003 event was held on 14 June 2003, and is expected to attract 10,000 visitors.  It will attempt to capture the flavour of the 1930s to 1960s.

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2003 Photos

There were:

-   live bands
-   classic cars
-   dance demos
-   children's theatre
-   beach volleyball
-   pony rides
-   retro collectibles
-   kite flying
-   surfing
-   Golden Days Show, in the Town Hall.

From 2004 onwards, more ambitious events are envisaged.

Evening News (Edinburgh)  -  17 January 2003  -  page 19
Evening News (Edinburgh)  -  12 June 2003  -  page 17