THE stage is well and truly set for Southampton to travel back in time to the 1980s.

Pop sensations of the past will take over the Common today for the second Let’s Rock Southampton festival.

Revellers are expected to turn up in a variety of 80s costume, so heat up your crimpers, dig out your wristbands, leg warmers and as many neon accessories as you can carry.

It is billed as the ‘ultimate 80s festival’ and with stars like Kim Wilde, Nik Kershaw and headliner the Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey it certainly lives up to its reputation.

And there are more blasts from the pasts in the form of Hot Chocolate, Midge Ure, T’Pau, Betty Boo and Heaven 17 – plus much more.

Presenter Pat Sharp, of Fun House fame, will return to host the event while Get Your Own Back’s Dave Benson Phillips is also returning to entertain the crowd between acts.

The fun starts at 11am when gates open with 12,000 people expected to enjoy 12 hours of eighties excitement until it all ends at 10.30pm.

And those with VIP tickets can take advantage of a special 80s-themed area where they can have a make-over from specialist stylists and enjoy posh toilets!

There is no on-site parking available but a park-and-ride is once again in place at Wide Lane Sports Centre in Eastleigh on the X81 service to Southampton Common.

Children under-12 go free but still need a ticket.

An X80 bus shuttle route will also take revellers to the site from the Red Funnel Ferry Terminal via Southampton Railway Station and city centre.

Festival-goers will be given wristbands upon entry that allow them to leave the site and re-enter at a later time.

Visitors are allowed to bring food but not alcohol or any glass containers onto the site.

Bags will be subject to searches upon entry.