Festival-goers were living it up at Chilfest as headliners Level 42 led a line-up every bit as hot as the weather.
The Tring retro festival proved another hit this year, with crowds enjoying a weekend of classic live music, non-stop sunshine and, for 2026, the added thrill of a new fairground attraction.
The fun kicked off on the Friday night with a host of tribute acts; Robbie Williams tribute Dan Budd, the Ultimate Coldplay, Killaz UK, Pulp’d, Fleetwood Mac Our Own Way and Tania Albani’s Tribute to Amy Winehouse. All of the acts were well-received by the audience who partied like it was 1999 on a beautiful summer’s evening.
Saturday’s stellar line-up opened with the ever-suave Spandau Ballet legend Tony Hadley, a familiar Chilfest favourite and long-time friend of the festival, who lives locally near Tring. With his unmistakable vocals, easy charm and a rich catalogue spanning more than 45 years, Tony once again had the crowd in the palm of his hand.
The audience were treated to a real Spandau-fest, with so many songs packed into the set, including Spandau Ballet’s debut single To Cut a Long Story Short, Chant No 1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On), Instinction, Only When You Leave, I’ll Fly for You, Highly Strung and Tony’s own personal Spandau favourite, the poignant Through the Barricades.
No Tony Hadley set would be complete without the classic hits True and Gold and both anthems got the audience singing and dancing along, with Tony telling the crowd that his love of performing has never died and he still feels like “a kid in a sweet shop”.
The Christians were next on stage, led by charismatic Garry Christian who joked that chair Tai Chi was his latest fitness regime, recommending it to anyone wishing to get rid of a “beer belly” in the audience!
The band gave polished performances of a host of Christians hits including Ideal World, Harvest for the World, Forgotten Town, Hooverville and Words, reaffirming why this Liverpool band were so popular back in the day.
90s Brit Pop was calling next and Toploader fitted the brief perfectly, performing their crowd-pleasing singles from their Top 10 debut album, Onka’s Big Moka, including the catchy Achilles Heel, Let the People Know, Only for a While and Just Hold On. New songs at retro festivals are not always warmly received but their new track Days of Our Lives went down well with the audience, reminding them of their carefree younger days.
Superb covers were performed of 70s and 80s hits too - Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer, The Waterboys’ Whole of the Moon and ELO’s Mr Blue Sky – feeling so fitting for a glorious summer’s day. No Toploader set would be complete without their global hit Dancing in the Moonlight which got the crowd dancing in sunlight instead, and loving every second.
A huge dose of New York swagger was next on the bill courtesy of the Fun Lovin’ Criminals whose infectious blend of cinematic hip-hop, rock and blues got the audience pumping with attitude to their Brooklyn beat.
The band belted out their major hits The Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Korean Bodega and Scooby Snacks, which features sample tracks from Tarantino films Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs.
Other songs included Smoke ‘Em, Crazy and Big Night Out, plus the band’s tribute to the late, great soul singer Barry White, Love Unlimited, with the memorable chorus: “Barry White, saved my life and if Barry White, saved your life, or got you back with your ex-wife, sing Barry White, Barry White It's alright.”
Eternal brought a touch of R&B magic to the Chiltern Hills, delighting the crowd with slick 90s choreography and a string of hits from their impressive catalogue, including some of the 15 UK Top 20 singles they enjoyed during the decade.
Having sold more than 10 million records worldwide, their international success was clear to see as they delivered a set packed with nostalgia and feel-good energy, with songs including Power of a Woman, Just a Step from Heaven, Angel of Mine and Stay.
Kid Creole and the Coconuts brought a splash of old-school glamour to the Chilfest stage. Dressed in a bright yellow suit and his trademark Panama hat, Kid Creole cut a commanding figure, while his ultra-glamorous Coconuts danced with effortless energy in dazzling costumes, adding a touch of Las Vegas cabaret sparkle to the festival.
Much-loved favourites including Annie, I’m Not Your Daddy, Baby, It’s a Wonderful Thing and Stool Pigeon soon had the crowd bopping along, with the band’s infectious rhythms, flamboyant style and playful stage presence turning the Chilfest field into one big open-air dancefloor.
Headliners Level 42 brought Saturday night to a feel-good close, delivering the polished jazz-funk sound that established them as a firm favourite in the 80s and 90s.
Formed on the Isle of Wight, the group enjoyed a string of UK and worldwide hits, including Running in the Family, Something About You, The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up) and Hot Water. Their biggest UK single, Lessons in Love, reached No 3 in 1986, making its Chilfest outing all the more special 40 years on.
Frontman Mark King was as impressive as ever, showing off the legendary thumb-slap bass technique that has become his trademark, while keyboardist and vocalist Mike Lindup added his own smooth, soulful magic. With 20 UK Top 40 singles and six Top 10 hits to their name, Level 42 had more than enough classics to keep the Chilfest crowd dancing into the summer evening.
To cut a long story short, Chilfest delivered exactly what a great summer festival should: big songs, big personalities and a field full of people singing, dancing and smiling in the sunshine. Roll on next year!
Photo credit: Sue Archer
