this in from Jack Up The Summer

Did somebody say party? Better still, did somebody say 80s retro party?

Organisers of the fun-filled retro festival, Jack Up The Summer which returns next year in its usual slot on the second weekend in August, 7-9th have advised revellers to standby for the ultimate feel-good experience.

With the Friday included in the price of Weekend tickets next year and gates opening even earlier, 80’s aficionados will delight in a mix of uplifting feel-good guilty pleasures rolled into one evening featuring three super-fun acts – the flamboyant Doctor & The Medics, the energetic Jive Bunny and the pop world’s equivalent of the naughty seaside postcard, Black Lace! Fittingly named after a Black Lace album, ‘The Greatest Ever Party’ at North Fairlee Farm in Newport will also feature the world record attempt at the longest ever conga line!

This is a unique opportunity to relive the distinct breed of pop songs that, despite being reviled by serious pop enthusiasts, went on to trounce all of the pop heavyweights in the charts. Undoubtedly best known for their massive 1986 No 1 ‘Spirit in the Sky,’ which sold over 24 Million copies worldwide and was number 1 in 23 countries, Doctor & The Medics have had a very colourful and successful career as both recording artists and performers.

The band’s chalk-faced frontman, Clive Jackson said;

‘Ever since the dawn of Festival culture in the UK I have embraced it on so many levels. As an artist performing on a stage in the British Summertime to audiences sharing your music and experience takes some beating. I also believe that few things bring people and communities together more than the festival experience and none more so than Jack Up The Summer which we are lucky to have been involved in since its first year. Over those first few years that we played we got to know many people both back stage and from the audience and we really got to feel the Island’s community spirit! Now heading into its eight year it’s been an absolute joy to see this amazing homegrown festival develop and we can’t wait to get back and renew old acquaintances and be part of this special event once more!’

Best known for their novelty party anthems, Black Lace spent 86 weeks in the UK charts in the 1980’s. Their biggest hit, ‘Agadoo’ reached Number 2 in June 1984 and they went on to have follow-up success with tracks such as ‘Superman’, ‘Hokey Cokey,’ ‘Wig Wam Bam,’ ‘I am the Music Man’ and ‘Do the Conga.’

Event Manager Sarah Moss said;

Black Lace’s gift to British culture is one which typically causes people to immediately put their head in their hands, however without realising it they’ll be launching into the lyrics that once divided lovers of ‘proper music’ and the wider record-buying public. Who doesn’t like to let their hair down, relive the good times and simply have a bit of fun? So dig out your Hawaiian shirts, glow sticks and flower garlands and prepare to celebrate Summer with our sizzling hot opening party!

Jive Bunny had eleven entries in the UK singles chart between 1989 and 1991. Each track used a sampled instrumental theme to join the old songs together, in much the same way as dance music mega-mixes.

A spokesperson for the Bunny said;

‘In 2015 we performed our first live show in over 20 years when Jack Up invited us to the Isle of Wight. Since that day we have gone on to perform 100’s of live shows across Europe and jumped at the chance to return. Having just celebrated our 30th Anniversary and we are planning something very special for our live show. C’mon everybody…let’s party!’

Previously confirmed artists for the weekend include M People’s Heather Small, Heaven 17, Big Country, Aswad, From The Jam and The Strangler’s front man Hugh Cornwell with many more announcements still to come. Early Bird tickets for Jack Up The Summer are now on sale online at jackupthesummer.co.uk as well as over the counter at the County Press office in Newport.

The earlier you buy the more you save! Kids aged 12 and under go FREE! Teen tickets for 13-17 year olds are available at half the price of adult tickets. Island visitors can save 20% off of Wightlink and Red Funnel ferry travel when purchasing their festival tickets via the Jack Up The Summer website.