VINTAGE toy enthusiasts have organised a first-of-its-kind festival giving residents the chance to revisit their favourite collectibles from the 80s and 90s. 

Featuring toy franchises from generations gone by, such as My Little Pony, Star Wars, He-Man, Transformers and Thundercats, the fair will see toy enthusiasts assemble to trade beloved collectables. 

The free event, on October 27 at Hadleigh Old Fire Station, will see 13 traders set up shop across 22 trading tables to cater to the needs of attendees, with Leigh businesses such as Cursed Earth Comics and Retro Hunter joining the fun. 

Showing off - Dave Nelson poses with his collectiblesShowing off - Dave Nelson poses with his collectibles (Image: Dave Nelson)


Organiser Dave Nelson, from Westcliff, said he had conceived of the idea with Adam Berry and David Thomas, in April after the trio, who attend toy events across the country, realised they lived quite close to each other.

The three organisers were left “dumbfounded” by how popular plans for the event had become, with 300 to 400 toy aficionados interested.

He said: “We wanted to try something a bit small scale, now all the trader tables have sold out. As we get closer to the event, we’re just trying to get the word out and make sure people know about it.Toy enthusiast - Adam Berry with his collection with his vast collectionToy enthusiast - Adam Berry with his collection with his vast collection (Image: Dave Nelson)


“It was exciting to meet other toy fans. It can sometimes be a niche hobby, I’ve got close friends that just don’t get it.

“It’s nice to have people local to me, just around the corner, it’s almost an event to go to a toy show now

Organiser - David Thomas with his collectionOrganiser - David Thomas with his collection (Image: Dave Nelson)

 

Toys on offer - An assortment of toys which you can expect to seeToys on offer - An assortment of toys which you can expect to see (Image: Dave Nelson)

“This is absolutely the accumulation of a dream, I’ve wanted to do this for years and have never been able to. The support of David and Adam has been invaluable.

“I want people to come down and find something they’ve been looking for, something that triggers that memory from when they were a kid, that excitement.”

Mr Nelson said he is optimistic it will be a “success” based on the response so far, and said he hopes to run the event two to four times each year.

The organisers have confirmed YouTuber and toy trader, Bossk Bounty, who boasts nearly 30,000 subscribers, will also be in attendance.