07 July 2025 (gig)
07 July 2025
Come rain or shine, you can always count on a fantastic summer party at Chilfest, and this year certainly didn’t disappoint with music from every 80s genre.
A ska-vellous treat was provided by Bad Manners, The Real Thing performed a scintillating soulful set, Peter Hook hooked in the indie crowd with some Hacienda magic, and 80s pop lovers were treated to the boy-next-door charm of Haircut 100.
Topping the bill at the Tring festival were two of the decade’s most successful artists, Kim Wilde and Adam Ant, whose back catalogue boasts a multitude of classic hits.
First on the stage, following DJ Brandon Block’s party-starting set, was The Hoosiers, who gave a more contemporary feel to Chilfest, with their hits Worried About Ray, Goodbye Mr A and Choices.
Kicking off the 80s extravaganza, and providing a real dance-floor vibe were The Real Thing, featuring soul-brothers Chris and Dave Amoo, whose classics You To Me are Everything, Can You Feel The Force? and Can’t Get By Without You captured the heart and soul of the crowd.
What Chilfest would be complete without a metaphysical occurrence, and 2025 didn’t disappoint, after the sun miraculously shone through the rainclouds during the band’s hit Rainin’ Through My Sunshine. Previous examples include a rainbow appearing at the point ABC mentioned a rainbow!
One mega act was swiftly followed by another, when Chilfest favourite Buster Bloodvessel and his Bad Manners took to the stage. The energy of the band was matched by the enthusiastic crowd, who were skanking like crazy, particularly fuelled by the choreographed entertainment of the brass section. For us, it was like doing a full aerobic workout to songs like Special Brew, Lip Up Fatty, The Can Can, and You’re Just Too Good To Be True, and we’re sure there were a few aching limbs the day after! It was lovely to see Buster introduce the audience to his own little girl lollipop, granddaughter Lily, who joined her grandpa on stage for a little dance.
It was great to see Chilfest favourite Nick Heyward back on stage, this time with his recently-reformed Haircut 100 band mates. The boys played several of their new songs, as well as their classic hits Love Plus One, Favourite Shirts and Fantastic Day. Boy Meets Girl was so good, they played it twice – a double delight for the crowd!
The last time Peter Hook played at Chilfest, he was accompanied by torrential rain which he famously described as a Manchester shower! Thankfully this time, the rain held off as the New Order and Joy Division legend rocked through a storming set that included Love Will Tear Us Apart, Blue Monday and True Faith. Peter’s passion for playing is always evident on stage with his energetic guitar moves and powerful vocals.
You’re guaranteed a Wilde time with the most charted British female of the 80s, Kim Wilde, who absolutely had the crowd in the palm of her hand as she rocked her way through a catalogue of greats. Dressed to impress in a stunning black and red corset jacket, she also donned a glittery red cape and peaked hat as part of her costume change, always bringing the glamour to her shows. The crowd were treated to hit after hit, from Kids In America, View From A Bridge, You Keep Me Hanging On, Cambodia, and Chequered Love. Such a great performance from Kim and also her amazing band, including niece Scarlett, who clearly shares the Wilde glamour genes.
Topping the bill was the King of The Wild Frontier, Adam Ant, who was prolific in the 80s, first with his band Adam and The Ants, then as a solo artist. The dandy highwayman’s signature tribal drum beat resonated throughout the set, with two full drum sets on stage plus more percussion provided by other band members, so this really was a rousing finale.
While Adam’s vocals may not have the swagger of years ago, there’s no doubting the brilliance of those classic hits which included three number ones Stand and Deliver, Prince Charming and Goody Two Shoes.
We were taken right back to our early 80s school days with songs like Ant Music and Kings of The Wild Frontier, a song that Adam professed on stage as being “still one of my favourites after all these years.”
It’s great that Chilfest not only enables the acts to perform their favourites, but also for the fans to relive the soundtracks of their lives, the very reason this boutique festival was created by founder Steve Butcher in 2013. Can’t wait for 2026 so that we can celebrate our rich musical heritage all over again, in this beautiful Chiltern Hills location.
Photo credit: Paul Hodson
