Retro festival returns to The Common in all its neon glory this weekend

It's the fabulous festival that fashion forgot and it's returning to Southampton Common this weekend.

Expect neon colours, 80s fancy dress and revellers as far as the eye can see as retro event Let's Rock, a city institution and hotly anticipated diary on the calendar each July, returns on Saturday (July 6).

The Human League, once described by big fan David Bowie as 'the future of music' will headline the event, one of seven in a series taking place across the UK this summer.

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Retro music lovers will also have the chance to see jazz funk band Level 42, who hail from the Isle of Wight, Peter Hook & The Light, From The Jam, eXTC, Jason Donovan, Kim Appleby, Altered Images, China Crisis, Dr & The Medics, Harriet Scott vs Pat Sharp DJ Battle and more take to the stage between midday and around 10pm.

Jason Donovan, who has played Let's Rock Southampton before as well as being a regular performer at Mayflower Theatre, told the Daily Echo: “If it’s Let’s Rock, then it’s the summer! You’ve got a great chance of playing to a great crowd of people who are up for a good time in the sunshine. What’s not to enjoy?!”

Singer and bassist Mark King, of Level 42, added: "The vibe is always so special and it really feels as if you are part of something wonderful. The audience play a huge part in this, of course, and there’s no doubt we are all there to have fun.”

Let's Rock is the UK's biggest retro festival series and is beloved of 80s music-loving audiences, who dress up in their finest 80s fashion each year. Think Star Wars characters, Rubix cubes, shell suits, ghetto blasters, The A-Team, and so much more.

Children are also catered for with family-friendly fairground rides and some giant inflatable slides to enjoy.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for official charity partner Child Bereavement UK over the years. 

The colourful celebration of all things retro first arrived in Southampton in 2014.

Previous events have featured Billy Ocean, Belinda Carlisle and Black Lace.