Rewinders were dancing in Electric Dreams at Rewind Festival, thanks to Saturday headliners The Human League, who delivered an electric performance.
The band treated the crowd to a string of 80s favourites, including Don’t You Want Me, Mirror Man, The Lebanon, Love Action and many more of their much-loved hits.
Headlining on Sunday, The Proclaimers had festival-goers up and dancing to their Celtic-infused classics, including I’m on My Way, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), Sunshine on Leith and Letter from America.
One of the weekend’s other standout acts was Tony Hadley, the former Spandau Ballet frontman, who won over the crowd with a spectacular performance that left many fans wondering why he wasn’t a headliner himself.
Dressed as impeccably as his performance, Tony wowed the crowd with a selection of Spandau Ballet hits, ranging from Only When You Leave, Highly Strung and True to Gold, before rounding off his set with a fabulous rendition of Queen’s We Are the Champions.
Tony also had the crowd laughing when he caught a red bra thrown onto the stage by a cheeky fan. Having some difficulty unravelling the undergarment, Tony quipped that it was as difficult as “doing a Rubik’s Cube”, before draping it over the drum kit.
You could have been forgiven for thinking it was Christmas rather than the height of summer when Dave Hill’s Slade belted out the iconic 1973 hit Merry Christmas Everybody. With many of the audience donning Santa hats and coats, it was certainly a first to have a Christmas song at Rewind - and there was even fake snow pumped over the audience for added effect.
Dave Hill was clearly emotional on stage as he reflected on his many decades of making music, reminding everyone of the unifying power of music during troubled times. Fans were treated to a string of Slade hits, including Cum On Feel the Noize, My Oh My and Mama Weer All Crazee Now.
Dave said: “Such a joy it gives me to be in front of such a big audience, it’s such a wonderful venue. I’ve never played here ever before and hopefully next time I shall play a full show! I couldn’t leave without performing the greatest Christmas song in the world.
“I know there’s a lot of hats and stuff going on here, you’re all looking very Christmassy and I hope for now, for all of you, that we have a better future together. So, give yourselves a big hand everybody, and I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!”
Other highlights included a fabulous set, as ever, from the glamorous Kim Wilde, who rocked the field with hits including Kids in America, Cambodia, You Keep Me Hangin’ On and You Came.
A special sundown was always on the cards when Nik Kershaw took to the stage - and he didn’t disappoint. His impeccable timing of I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, performed just as the sun began to set, created one of the weekend’s most memorable moments.
Festivalgoers also gave a warm welcome to Rewind Festival newcomers Toploader, Dodgy, Louise and Tom Robinson, as well as Peter Andre, whose energy and moves took the crowd by storm, with Peter clearly channelling his inner Michael Jackson.
Peter Coyle, who has previously performed at Rewind as part of the British Electric Foundation (BEF), returned this year with a solo set that included a great rendition of Baker Street, and an energetic performance of The First Picture of You.
And the impressive performances didn’t stop there. The Beat, Toyah, Roland Gift, Soul II Soul, The Trevor Horn Band, Blancmange, Sonia, Tunde from The Lighthouse Family, The Undertones and The Doctor of Dr and the Medics all added to a weekend that was packed with quality live music. With such a diverse line-up, there was something to appeal to virtually every Rewinder, and it was difficult to fault the performances across the festival.
Away from the main stage, the Pink Flamingo tent and Riverside Stage offered plenty more entertainment. Rewinders were treated to Chas ‘n’ Dave tribute Gertcha, Bowie tribute act Aladdinsane, Richard Gould as Neil Diamond, Simon Bartholomew’s Funky Flamingo Show and Winthorpe’s Wall of Sound. There was also a string of DJs spinning the decks, including Andy Crane, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Darren Darren.
Once again, Rewind Festival delivered a weekend packed with nostalgia, great performances and plenty of memorable moments, bringing together music fans for a celebration of some of the biggest sounds of the 70s, 80s and 90s.
There were a few sound issues at times across the weekend, but these were relatively minor against the backdrop of an otherwise hugely enjoyable festival. They certainly did little to dampen the atmosphere or enthusiasm of the crowds.
From spectacular headline performances and unexpected highlights to Christmas in the middle of summer and a perfectly timed sunset, Rewind once again proved that great music has the power to bring people together.
Photo credit: Kate Hunter Photography
