FLASHBACK '80s PICNIC CONCERT 14th AUGUST

Review by Dunmow Broadcast

NOT so much a 'flashback' - more of a flash, bang, wallop!

Revellers romped the night away at the final Little Easton Champagne Picnic of 2010 on Saturday as they took a step back in time to enjoy rock, pop and disco classics. Carrying the banner 'Flashback to the 80's', it was a night to break out the big hair, put on the flowing frocks, apply the neon glow paint and get down and boogie.

Taking the stage were a host of big names and scintillating tribute acts as over five hours of music entertained an 'up for it' crowd that numbered in the high hundreds. Soul singer Alexandra O'Neil flew in from the USA especially for the gig and straight away announced that everyone was "in the O'Neil house now." But he didn't have much work to do because the crowd had already been whipped into a frenzy by sing along classics from Club Tropicana experts WhamDuran, Lion Sleeps tonight singers Tight Fit, and a rousing set from The American Soul Show led by Roy Hemmings of The Drifters. Ian Drury's original band The Blockheads rounded things off as at 11.25pm the buzzing crowds stumbled off home well and truly hit with the rhythm stick.


On Saturday night, reporter Nick Thompson went along to witness the picnic atmosphere for himself - this is his take on the night by the lake:

It may have been cold, it may have been damp - but boy, what a night. It never ceases to amaze how when the Brits step out and want to enjoy themselves, nothing will stop them. The crowd that flocked to the champagne picnic was as well behaved as it was boisterous, which made for a great atmosphere and a rollicking night out. Beer, wine and cider flowed as everyone got up to dance and sing the night away as (in between one threatening cloud after another) the stars shimmered overhead.

If you have a spare £30 next year, and quite frankly even if you don't, make sure you get a place at the picnic. It'll keep a strong local event going and I guarantee you'll have a good time.

REVIEWS OF CHAMPAGNE PICNIC 4th JULY 2009

"One of the most enjoyable concerts you could ever wish for"

"It was a hugely successful night of entertainment"

Click here to see PHOTO GALLERY