80s Calling The Human League with very special guests Bananarama

80s Calling! is one of the most exciting events to join the city’s summer music calendar, featuring The Human League, Bananarama, Level 42, The Farm, Hue & Cry and The Christians all on ONE STAGE at Colchester, Castle Park on Saturday 3rd August! Fans can expect a TRULY INCREDIBLE festival line-up of the cream of 80s icons; this is retro revival at its finest, promising a night of evocative fun and some of the best tunes from the decade!

Legendary ’80s synth-pop band The Human League will be headlining, Colchester Castle Park this summer. The new wave band formed in 1977 and achieved huge success in the ’80s with hits including ‘Don’t You Want Me’, ‘Together In Electric Dreams’ and ‘Tell Me When.’ They won their first BRIT award for Best British Breakthrough Act in 1982.

Lead singer Philip Oakey has been the band’s only consistent member since 1977 and was joined in 1981 by vocalists Joanne Catherall and Susan Anne Sulley as what is considered today to be the groups iconic line-up.

Bananarama, the most successful female group of all time, made up of Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward will be joining The Human League this summer for what is going to be a party not to be missed. 2024 continues to see the duo perform at their very best celebrating over 40 years at the top with the release of a new 40-track album, 'Glorious - The Ultimate Collection', on the 8th of March.

With 30 top 40 UK hits, such as ‘Venus’, ‘Cruel Summer’ and ‘Love in the First Degree’ the most internationally charted hits by an all-female group, has seen them produce 12 albums, selling over 30 million records.

Jazz-funk icons Level 42 known for having such hits as ‘Lessons in Love’ and ‘Something about you’ will also be performing at 80s Calling! Having formed in 1979, with a break between 1994 to 2001, Level 42 have released 11 albums with the latest coming in 2006. 2023 saw lead singer, Mark King win the Icon award at the Silver Clef Awards, joining a list of Stereophonics, Rod Stewart and Sir Cliff Richard.

Probably best known for their anthemic hit ‘All Together Now’ The Farm, lead by vocalist Peter Hooton,are a band from Liverpool, who released their first album, ‘Spartacus’ in 1991 where it reached the top position in the UK charts and was rereleased in 2021 commemorate the anniversary.

Scottish blue-eyed soul pop siblings Pat and Greg Kane otherwise known as; Hue & Cry are best known for their 1987 single "Labour of Love". Formed in 1983, The band have sold tens of thousands of concert tickets worldwide, as well as performing alongside some of the greatest artists in music history, appearing with U2, James Brown, Madonna, Al Green and Van Morrison to name just a few.

Finally opening the festival on what is going to be an incredible day of live music, will be The Christians.One of the defining bands of the 1980s known for creating songs with socially conscious lyrics married with soulful bluesy melodies will be delving into their superlative back catalogue at Colchester, Castle Park this August.

Liz Doogan-Hobbs MBE, CEO of LHG Events said “We're thrilled to announce yet another music offering to Colchester, and we are certain 80s Calling! is going to prove a huge hit with fans who not only remember the artists the first time around but also newer fans who embrace the retro revival, or just want to enjoy top tunes in a spectacular summer setting. We hope to see as many of you there as possible and encourage you to dress your own take on 80s style and really embrace the spirit of the evening. Bring on the neon, bring on the shades, and let’s have a party!”

Tickets for 80s Calling! on Saturday 3rd August 2024, featuring The Human League, Bananarama, Level 42, The Farm, Hue & Cry and The Christians go on General Sale at 9.00am on Friday 29th March 2024.