3rd – 4th August 2024
Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire
I thought I would attend a festival with a difference this year (for me anyway, as I mostly shoot rock) so I applied for Rewind North. This being a local festival to me, I was particularly interested as I could commute each day. I was looking forward to attending one of the best 80’s festivals, and taking in a weekend full of nostalgia.
I arrived at the venue, parked my car, and grabbed my photo pass from the press office. It was a well organised parking set up so I was parked up in no time. I headed over the the press tent, and greeted fellow photographers. On the walk through the site I passed lots of stalls selling food and drink and could see a few selling hats, bags etc. There was a funfair situated at the top of the venue including waltzers and other rides. Lots of people turned up dressed up in fun 80’s outfits and many other random ones. I was happy to spot Captain Caveman and aimed to grab a photo a little later. For now, it was time for the entertainment on stage.
First band up was Studio 54 Live who put on a brilliant show full of 80’s hits, that got the crowd warmed up for the day.
Following them were Bad Manners, the crowd loved these. Buster Bloodvessel got them all singing along with songs such as ‘My Girl Lillipop’ and ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’. Huge applause for this set.
Boyzlife were next (my guilty pleasure :)) Brian McFadden (Westflife) and Keith Duffy (Boyzone) sure got the crowd screaming for them with their moves on stage. They performed hits from both bands including ‘When You’re Looking Like That’ & ‘World Of Our Own’ along with their cover of ‘Uptown Girl’ which was a nod to when Westlife released this cover in 2001. Not 80’s, but it was when Billy Joel released it I guess.
Gabrielle next up and I carried on my trip down memory lane, especially when ‘Dreams’ kicked off, and ‘Out Of Reach’ The crowd were singing along with her. Great set from Gabrielle, who looks amazing by the way.
Continuing the retro vibes was Katrina from ‘Katrina and the Waves’ who put on a good show and gave the crowd tracks they were waiting for ‘Walking On Sunshine’ & ‘Love Shine a Light‘ prompting a loud chorus from the rewinders.
You immediately recognised the vocals of Clare Grogan of Altered Images especially when ‘Happy Birthday’ was belted out. A strong set from these and another crowd pleaser.
Tiffany rocked the stage with her fabulous performance of a selection of new tracks and the well known hit ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ She performed a brilliant Robbie Williams cover of ‘Angels’ which had the crowd all swaying and singing along.
Roland Gifts still has an amazing voice and it was like we were still in the 80’s. Great set which the Rewinders received well.
Rocking a studded red leather biker jacket, Kim Wilde arrived on stage, looking fantastic! Despite a couple of small sound issues, she performed a fabulous set. With her hits including ‘Chequered Love’ & ‘Kids in America’ the crowd danced and sang along. A highlight of the day for me.
A regular at Rewind festival Nik Kershaw knew how to entertain, with hits such as ‘I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ & ‘Wouldn’t It be Good’ sure got the crowd going. His song which was made famous by Chesney Hawkes ‘The One and Only’ reminded the crowd the extent of his talent.
The worthy headliner Billy Ocean donned in his white suit looking super cool walked on stage. This being his 8th appearance at Rewind Festivals, he has the most experience, and the crowd lapped up his performance including hits ”Loverboy’, ‘Suddenly’, ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ and of course his famous ‘When The Going Get’s Tough’ What a slick show from this legend, and a fantastic way to round off day 1.
What a great 1st day, I had such a good time at this brilliant festival. In addition to the main stage for entertainment, there’s the Pink Flamingo stage located near the entrance of the festival, with a schedule of different acts throughout the day. I managed to catch ACDC and Bowie tribute bands in there. There was also a silent disco and a an inflatable church ready for spontaneous wedding ceremonies 😆There sure was something for everyone.
Sunday, day 2 at Rewind, and I arrived and set up all ready for round 2. Proceedings were already underway as I arrived a bit later meaning I missed out on first act Shakatak. The next act was Aswad who put on a lively performance for the early arrivals. Tunes such as ‘Don’t Turn Around’ and ‘Shine’ got the party started. Love their reggae vibe.
Peter Hook and The Light next up with their Joy Division/New Order content impressed the crowd who were singing along waving their arms around. Peter Hook showed off his guitar skills during the set with tracks including ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ and ‘Blue Monday’ Great set and the crowd were really warmed up now and the bands just kept on coming, sticking to the tight schedule.
Another legend from the 80’s and well known for his band Spandau Ballet is Tony Hadley. He kicked off his set very coolly sat on a stool and delivered a fantastic rendition of ‘Feeling Good’ proving he still had a brilliant voice! His set continued seeing him moving round the stage waving at fans. His tracks included ‘Only When You Leave’ and of course the ever famous ‘True’ & ‘Gold’ which this set certainly was!
Living in a Box & Linx had short sets with 3 sing along tracks each followed by Hue & Cry who were ‘Looking For Linda’ which carried on crowd interactions. The Christians were also popular and tracks included ‘Forgotten Town‘ & ‘Harvest For The World’
Next up was Heather Small from M People and she sure was a ‘Sight For Sore Eyes’! She looked fabulous, and danced around that stage in her pink high heels! She delivered all the bangers including ‘One Night In Heaven’, ‘Search For a Hero’ & ‘Movin on Up’ What a great set, and took me and the rest of the Rewinders back to our days in nightclubs.
The penultimate band was Midge Ure, he took to the stage, and he performed all the tracks with ease showcasing his guitar playing skills. Ultravox favourites such as ‘Hymn’ & ‘Loves Great Adventure’ were nailed, Midge still able hitting the high drawn out notes. The highlight was smash hit ‘Vienna’ that rung around the Rewind arena as the night drew in, what a fantastic song which I am sure every single person was singing to, no other sound could be heard.
I unfortunately had to leave before the headliners Squeeze.
I have to also mention the fantastic comperes for the weekend, Jenny Powell was brilliant. The Doctor (Doctor and the Medics) also smashed it, and performed his own set, which I have photos of in my gallery below.
From what I experienced, this was a brilliant well organised fun family festival full of like minded festival goers. Everyone visibly had a great time, and the outfits were amazing.
I have included photo galleries of the bands and rewinders below.
Enjoy, and hope to see you all next year.
Cobspix Photography 