Colchester 80s Calling event at Castle Park a huge success

Lower Castle Park welcomed revellers for its 80s Calling event on Saturday.

Top 80s talent came in the form of The Christians, Hue and Cry, The Farm, Level 42, Bananarama, and The Human League.

Colchester resident Kim Turner turned up to the event with a group of friends and thought it was a great trip down memory lane.

She said: “Yes, it’s a very nostalgic trip for me, it is like I’m still living in the 80s really, and I was most excited to see Level 42 and The Human League.

“It brings back memories of my youth in Colchester.”

Elsewhere, Callum Briar dressed to impressed on the day by wearing a colourful suit to the concert.

Having fun - Kim Turner (Image: Newsquest)

Looking sharp - Callum Briar (Image: Newsquest)

Music lovers - friends Sue, Tara, and Vickey at 80s Calling (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “It was a very great line up. The weather has been fantastic. The people have been fantastic.

“All in all, epic.”

Fellow gig-goer Patricia Mattock shared her thoughts of the 80s Calling Festival.

Gig - Level 42 performing at 80s Calling in Lower Castle Park (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “It’s been a really good experience. All the bands have been fabulous.

“Everything has basically run on time, the only downside has been the queue for the bar but other than that it has been lovely.

“The weather has been great, people are really happy and enjoying themselves, it is a good vibe.

“All the bands were really good, it’s taken us all back to the 80s.”

Rupert Doogan-Hobbs is the director of LHG Events, which organised the successful 80s Calling Festival in Colchester.

Rupert focuses on the production side of things at LHG Events, with wife, Liz Hobbs, being the promoter who books all the acts.

The duo have put on many events in the city throughout the years.

The music lover spoke To The Gazette during The Human League’s exceptional headline performance and praised the venue and audience.

Performing - The Human League (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “We’ve had a fantastic time, it’s probably the seventh or eighth time we’ve promoted events in Castle Park, and it’s one of our favourite venues in the UK.

“It’s a beautiful environment, it’s in the city centre but it’s out of it, the aesthetics of the venue are absolutely gorgeous.

“And again, we’ve been supported by the people of Colchester and the surrounding areas in giving us a fantastic gig.

“We hope everybody has had a great time, enjoyed the weather, enjoyed the bands, and enjoyed live music in an environment which is just idyllic.”