Societies, Events and Entertainment

TWINWOOD FESTIVAL. The most spectacular of all the 1940s-themed festivals, this one is held at the very airfield from where Glenn Miller made his final departure, and accordingly his music is celebrated in a line-up of big bands and smaller jive ensembles, along with WWII aircraft flypasts and vintage hair styling, among other entertainments. Twinwoodevents.com

JAZZ AGE GARDEN PARTY. Held in a beautiful English Country House in the Cotswold hills, the Jazz Age Garden Party is a festival of interwar music, motoring and elegance. This year, Bentley's 75th anniversary is marked with a special display of vintage Bentleys, among dozens of other classic automobiles. Live music is provided by the Ukulele Orchestra of Britain, the Charleston Chasers and the Panama Cafe Orchestra.
Spirit-of-the-age.co.uk

THE LAST TUESDAY SOCIETY. Where may chaps and chapettes of a decadent stripe ply their mysterious epigrams and eloquent non-sequiturs? Why, The Last Tuesday Society of course! Look out for their extravagant masked ball in July to mark the publication of Ian Kelly's new tome on Giacomo Casanova.

BOHEMIA FESTIVAL. A jolly weekend in the country at the beautiful Eldridge Estate in Royal Tunbridge Wells. With ragtime music, eclectic cabaret, stand-up comedy and screenings of old British films, it offers a civilised alternative to the horrors of Glastonbury et al. This year the festival features a mini-Chap Olympiad, for those who can't find the secret location in July. Bohemiafestival.com

THE 39 STEPS. A new production of John Buchan's classic thriller, adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow of the National Theatre of Brent, whose whimsical style injects even more Chappishness into an already extremely Chappist story. Love39steps.com

BRIEF ENCOUNTER. This brand new production by Kneehigh Theatre may not be for the David Lean purists, but nevertheless offers a rollicking 1940s extravaganza, staged in the original cinema where Brief Encounter was first screened. Seebriefencounter.com

FITZROVIA RADIO. These sterling coves perform live readings from vintage radio scripts, with all the sound effects, advertisements and, are, of course, immaculately attired in vintage black tie. Fitzroviaradio.com

THE RUBBISHMEN OF SOHO. A highly eccentric band of individuals with an addiction to gin, cream cakes and other gentlemanly substances. They make music of questionable virtue, but must be supported because they are keeping the spirit of Vivian Stanshall alive and kicking. Therubbishmen.com

HANDLEBAR CLUB. If you are about to embark upon the spiritual journey that is the cultivation of an enormous moustache, you might care to seek advice from Handlebarclub.org.uk

THE PIPE CLUB OF LONDON. If pipes are your pleasure and nothing thrills you more than the sound of quality tobacco being rubbed and scorched, then you'll find everything you need at www.Pcol.co.uk