IT'S the festival that fashion forgot and it has proved a huge hit with music lovers keen to rewind the clock back to the 1980s.

Following a hugely successful Let's Rock Southampton 2017, organisers have confirmed that Southampton Common will once again rock to the sights and sounds of the decade as the popular revival event returns next summer.

The fourth sun-soaked outing on Saturday saw thousands of revellers bask in glorious sunshine as the temperature gauge hit the mid 20s and 12 retro acts took to the stage.

Organiser Steve Haywood told the Daily Echo: "We had a fantastic time on Southampton on Saturday with another amazing sell out day and our best line-up to date.

"The weather was once again amazing and we’re already making plans for 2018. We’ll be able to announce the date very soon, but we can reveal that early bird tickets for 2018 will go on sale on Thursday August 31."

There were neon outfits, leg warmers and big hair as far as they eye could see at the weekend and fancy dress included everything from George Michael and Freddie Mercury to Star Wars stormtroopers and Super Mario.

Chesney Hawkes warmed up the crowd as he opened the event, which as ever featured an appearance from DJ Pat Sharp, who first found fame as the host of 1980s ITV children’s television show Fun House,

Highlights included a hit-packed half hour from Belinda Carlisle and a dual headline slot from former Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley and synthpop favourites The Human League.

The Let's Rock event has grown each year since it first came to Southampton in 2014 and has previously starred the likes of Billy Ocean, Bananarama, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Rick Astley, Jason Donovan, Go West, Hot Chocolate, Kim Wilde and Nik Kershaw.

Though the line-up for Let’s Rock Southampton 2018 will remain under wraps for a while yet, organisers are promising to bring audiences some of the biggest retro names and acts around, as well as celebrity comperes like in previous years.