Shropshire Star

David Essex wows Ludlow festival crowd in firework finale

He may be eligible to draw his pension now at the ripe old age of 66 – but David Essex still has admiring female fans screaming Hold Me Close.

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The Silver Dream Machine star and one-time 1970s pin-up boy rolled back the years by rocking out his greatest hits in front of a huge crowd at Ludlow Castle.

Last seen on TV screens in BBC soap EastEnders, Essex was the headline act and star turn on the closing night of the town's arts festival before a spectacular firework display. More than 2,000 people turned out to see the Londoner, along with support acts Showaddywaddy and Les McKeown's Bay City Rollers.

The trio of acts, who between them have had 64 top 40 singles in the charts and five number ones, were also performing the final date of their stadium-filling Once in a Lifetime tour.

The night brought to a close a week-long bonanza of music and comedy both in the grounds of the castle and in a specially-erected circus marquee style tent.

Stand-up laughs were provided in the tent throughout the week with Ken Dodd and Jim Davidson, as well as one-line punster Milton Jones and ventriloquist Paul Zerdin.

Contemporary folk band Bellowhead also performed on the outdoor stage on Saturday.

Crowds enjoy the set from folk band Bellowhead during the final weekend of Ludlow's art's festival. Photo: S&B Photography.
  • Festival round-up and reviews at our entertainment site NativeMonster.com

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