NEON, spandex and brightly-coloured sun visors as far as the eye can see can mean only one thing, Let’s Rock Southampton is under way on The Common.

Former Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley kicked off the celebration of the decade that fashion forgot with a hit-packed set including classics like Through The Barricades and Gold.

It was a slow start for the True singer who had to endure two power cuts before making it third time lucky with a great set. But he took it all in good humour, joking with the crowd who were singing and dancing along to their own versions of Spandau Ballet’s greatest hits.

PHOTOS: Let's Rock Southampton 2022

He was followed by a surprise appearance by Nathan Moore of Brother Beyond fame.

Up to 15,000 retro-loving revellers, most of them clad in 80s regalia, are expected to join the party on The Common, which is bathed in glorious sunshine.

Queues are snaking around ‘the flats’ as festival-goers pack a picnic and get ready to party to retro favourites including Belinda Carlisle, Scritti Politti and Roland Gift.

Freddie Mercury lookalikes, Pink Ladies from Grease, The A-Team’s Mr T and a John McEnroe dressed in Wimbledon whites are among the more imaginative fancy dress outfits.

READ MORE: All the pictures from Let's Rock Southampton 2019

With Top Gun returning to the big screen this summer, there are also plenty of nods to Goose, Maverick et al.

A host of fairground rides, bouncy castles, trampolines, ice cream vans, cocktail bars and other concessions are also doing a roaring trade.

Adam Ant and Billy Ocean will close Let’s Rock, which is competed by Pat Sharp and Dave Benson Phillips, tonight before fireworks light up the night sky.

One of 13 events across the UK, this joyous annual celebration of all things 80s offers gloriously unpretentious fun with iconic names from pop playing hit after nostalgic hit being enjoyed by a fun-loving crowd of all ages.

Let’s Rock 2022 is the biggest series yet, taking in more locations than ever before and reaching a total audience of over 150,000. The event first graced Southampton in 2014 and has included sets from Rick Astley, Jason Donovan and The Human League over the years.

 

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News