Now in its seventh year, the mecca of 80s pop was a real celebration of the music and style of the decade.

Known for its party atmosphere, most festival goers dressed for the occasion in eighties wigs and neon ra-ra skirts – including the men.

Family attractions kept everyone happy , be it roller-discoing to Wham! or dancing in the silent disco to Chic. The Human League, T’Pau, Kid Creole and Altered Images appeared over the weekend in a non-stop electric cabaret of retro revival of the days when shoulder pads and hair were big and synthesisers ruled.

Acts such as Go West pleased the masses (even including a Kings of Leon cover!) and it was great to hear the slick eighties pop performed live by artists who sound possibly better than when success first struck.

Belinda Carlisle sang hits with a rockier, huskier timbre; ABC took to the stage in the sharpest of suits to play Poison Arrow and the magnificent Look of Love and the standout performer of the weekend was the blonde bombshell Kim Wilde, whose hit cover of The Supremes You Keep Me Hanging On had the revellers dancing from the start. Dressed in black, Kim hasn’t aged, and she smiled throughout, ending with Kids In America.

Saurday’s headline act, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark took to the stage with Andy McCluskey quipping: “I hope you have enough energy left.”

OMD played with aplomb, showcasing hits Enola Gay, Joan of Arc and Maid Of Orleans and the fantastic Souvenir, sung by Paul Humphrys, a great 80s love song.

They proved to be the thinking man’s band for the weekend, with the be-wigged and neon-adorned throng of parents and 50-somethings partying afterwards in the festival’s many music-filled bars and discos.

Sunday’s headliners Human League provided a worthy grand finale to the 1980s revival. All in all lots of fun was had by all... just don’t tell the kids.

DREW ATKINS