Tim Hughes goes back to the future and looks forward to a festival celebrating all that was good about the ’80s.

WE have celebrated a Royal Wedding, the Tories are back in power, we are struggling with cuts, and a faltering economy.

Let’s face it, it’s like being back in the ’80s.

And in a field in Oxfordshire, some of the biggest stars of Thatcher’s decade are preparing to power through their hits – in a frenzy of big hair and shoulder pads.

It’s called Rewind and is a celebration of all that was great about the decade.

Stars lined up for the three-day party near Henley include some of power-pop’s biggest names – Holly Johnson, The Human League, Candi Staton, China Crisis, ABC, Go West, Toyah and Billy Ocean.

And with the likes of Boy George, Average White Band, Earth Wind & Fire, Nik Kershaw, Howard Jones, Bananarama, Katrina (of The Waves fame), Bucks Fizz, Brother Beyond and the Village People joining the line-up, the set list reads like a Who’s Who of the era.

According to Rewind promoter David Heartfield, it can’t fail to be a great laugh.

“Rewind has been lovingly dubbed the festival for people who normally don’t go to festivals,” he says.

“It is great fun, family friendly and super civilised for every member of its 40,000-strong audience.”

The prospect of waving one’s arms in the air to a rehabilitated bunch of aging pop stars is clearly appealing; this year’s bash has already sold-out.

“I’m absolutely delighted that tickets have sold out,” adds David. “This is only the third Rewind Henley and we’ve reached capacity.

“We have a total blockbuster line-up for this year – I cannot imagine a more perfect weekend, or where else you can see the likes of Holly Johnson, Human League, Average White Band and Earth Wind & Fire all on the same bill.

“We were thrilled when these iconic names agreed to perform and equally thrilled when Festival favourites such as ABC, China Crisis, Toyah, Billy Ocean, Go West, Kim Wilde and more agreed to perform for us.”

Peter Cox and Richard Drummie of Go West are back at Rewind for the third year running: “Appearing at the Rewind Festival 2010 was one of the highlights of our year,” says Peter, “And we can’t wait to rock the crowd again this year. The atmosphere is fantastic. I can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend.”

Alan Gorrie, bassist with Average White Band agrees: “It’s a unique opportunity for us because we haven’t done a festival of this kind before and to be asked to be part of a stellar line-up of late 70s and 80s groups is a real honour.

“We’re really looking forward to Rewind and will be performing the hits you’d expect to hear such as Cut The Cake, Pick Up The Pieces, and Let’s Go Round Again.”

According to Gary Daly from China Crisis, the festival is as much an excuse for bands to get together and rekindle memories as for artists to relive their youth or younger people to rediscover some groundbreaking music that reshaped much of what has followed.

He says: “China Crisis are massive fans of these festivals. Getting together with pals old and new is fantastic, and when we’re not onstage we’re in the crowd singing along.

“This year we will be celebrating 30 years of non-stop China Crisis mega-moments in pop – from working with David Bowie, Steely Dan, Tina Turner, the Police, Santana and Simple Minds to being at the fantabulous summertime party that is Rewind.”

Kevin Patterson of Fiction Factory admitted that the weekend would be a feast of nostalgia. “It will certainly trigger emotions for us,” he says. “The main one is a real sense of pride that we crafted a great piece of pop music with Feels Like Heaven that, to my continued amazement, seems to mean a lot to so many people.”

Catering to (cough!)... the more mature and discerning festie-goer, facilities are a cut above what you might expect at a festival. So forget images of muddy wellies and inedible burgers. Rewind punters will be treated to themed bars, posh nosh, proper showers, decent toilets, and accommodation in traditional wooden Romany caravans and yurts. There’s mooring on the river for boat-owners, and – as you’d expect from a celebration of 80s chic, a wine bar. All you need to complete the look is stone-washed denim and a mobile phone the size of a house brick.

In fact, dressing up is a bit of passion for Rewinders, says David.

“It is the perfect festival for families, friends, music fans and people in Star Trek costumes,” he says.

“It’s extraordinary that we’ve had an increasing number of audience members turn up in full-blown character costumes. Last year we had about 10 Wonder Women, several Spocks, a couple of Adam Ant-style pirates, a suspicious number of Telly Tubbies, Ghostbusters and even a Woody Woodpecker. We’re thinking of launching a competition for the best costume next year.”

Inevitably, many 80s music-lovers have kids of their own, and Rewind has been quick to recognise the potential for laying on fun activities for mini Adam Ants and Toyahs – with a KidZone offering fun activities in a big top. There is also a silent disco (dancers listen to the music through headphones); a solar-powered cinema, showing classic 80s blockbusters, independent films and cinema shorts; and a karaoke tent. Fireworks displays, meanwhile, will bring the entertainment to a close on both Saturday and Sunday night.

Greg Kane who, together with his brother Pat, makes up Hue & Cry, can’t wait to get stuck in. “We are really looking forward to playing the Rewind Festival as are the rest of our band,” he says.

“The weekend will bring back a few fantastic memories without a question of a doubt and it will be a great chance to play all our Hue & Cry hits including Looking For Linda and Labour Of Love.”

For David, a highlight is expected to be a show by the reformed Village People. “I can’t wait to see over 40,000 fans doing the YMCA moves,” he says.

“Rewind audience... you have just been warned!”

* Rewind Festival takes place at Temple Island Meadows, Henley, from August 19-21. For details, go to rewindfestival.com