Five stages played host to musical trailblazers, with veterans Gloria Gaynor, Shalamar, Aswad, Soul II Soul, Maxi Priest, Boney M, Odyssey, Heatwave, alongside Heather Small, K Klass, Norman Jay and Baby D among others.
Festival goers steamed, through the gates in a kaleidoscope of sequins, glitter and retro glamour, setting the tone for a day filled with nostalgia, timeless classics and high end performances.
Reggae pioneers Aswad set the tone with a sun-soaked performance, delighting the hyped up crowd, with ‘Don’t Turn Around’ and reminding festival goers, why they remain one of the UK’s most celebrated reggae bands.
Maxi Priest kept the feel-good vibe flowing, with a smooth rendition of his infamous’Wild World’, effortlessly encouraging thousands to sing along.
Dressed in a striking silver catsuit, enter the vibrant Heather Small, who lit up the stage, with her commanding presence and unmistakable powerhouse vocals. Stirring renditions of ‘Proud’ and ‘Moving On Up’, had the crowd singing every word, creating one of the festival’s defining moments.
As Soul II Soul transported the audience straight back to the late ’80s with the iconic ‘Back To Life’ (However Do You Want Me), while Shalamar had the crowd on its feet, from the opening bars of ‘A Night to Remember’, before rolling seamlessly into ‘The Second Time Around’, complete, with the slick choreography, that has become synonymous with the group.
Sonique reignited the dancefloor, with her euphoric ‘It Feels So Good’, before 70’s disco favourites Boney M had crowds dancing to classics, including ‘Daddy Cool’, ‘Sunny’ and the ever-popular ‘Rasputin’.
Headliner Gloria Gaynor brought the festival to a spectacular close. ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ showcased her commanding vocals, before the unmistakable opening bars of ‘I Will Survive’ sparked a festival-wide euphoria singalong, that embodied Boogietown’s infectious energy.
As the final notes drifted across Apps Court Farm, Boogietown proved that soul never fades, disco never dies and great music will always bring people together….Nailed it Jorge.
