Words Catherine Collins. Pictures: Ian Cumming Photography.
Thousands of revellers descended on Southampton Common on Saturday for the return of retro ‘80s festival, Let’s Rock yesterday (July 9).
Former Spandau Ballet front man, Tony Hadley, kicked off the day of back-to-back music, performing a set that included True, Gold and Through the Barricades.
As the sun shone and temperatures reached 28 degrees, festival-goers were treated to the hit songs of Bad Manners, Nathan Moore (Brother Beyond), Johnny Hates Jazz, Belinda Carlisle, Scritti Politti and many more.
The crowd were in fine form as they sang along to hit after hit, including Walking in the Sunshine, The Harder I Try, Turn Back the Clock, Heaven is a Place on Earth and Oh Patti (Don’t Feel Sorry for Loverboy).
There were ‘80s costumes, neon and smiling faces as far as the eye could see, with a choice of food and drink, a fairground and bouncy castles adding to the entertainment.
Nick Heyward, Dr and the Medics and Roland Gift continued the afternoon performances with some of their hits, such as Take That Situation, Spirit in the Sky and She Drives Me Crazy,
Then it was the turn of the headliners, Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins performance included Hold Me Now and penultimate act, Billy Ocean sang crowd favourites such as Love Really Hurts Without You, Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car and Caribbean Queen.
Finally, Adam Ant took to the stage to close the show – the 67-year-old may have recently recovered from Covid-19, but he certainly showed he could still Stand and Deliver as Prince Charming!
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