Shropshire Star

80s fans fill The Quarry for Let's Rock Shrewsbury - PICTURES

Up to 10,000 music fans rolled back the years at the sold out Let's Rock retro festival at the Quarry in Shrewsbury.

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Let's Rock Shrewsbury

The packed concert had blazing sunshine at the grounds next to the River Severn as ecstatic fans danced the afternoon away with the likes of 1980s pop star Jason Donovan.

The Aussie star's hits Any Dream will Do, Especially for You, and Sealed with a Kiss attracted some of the biggest cheers of the afternoon, along with Five Star.

Fans, some of whom turned on the style in 80s fancy dress, had plenty to smile about as they got to their feet for acts Imagination, From the Jam, Go West, Kim Wilde, Marc Almond and finale UB40.

From The Jam frontman Russell Hastings told the cheering crowd: "What a pleasure to be here. It's a wonderful feeling. Thanks for your support over the years."

Phil Edwards, aged 50 and from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury, was at the show with his brother Dave.

The tree surgeon said: "It's fantastic. It's the first festival I've ever gone to, but I didn't want to miss this one. I'm an 80s child. When I was in my teens I was a big Bon Jovi fan."

Colleen O'Brien, 51 and from Kidderminster, was celebrating her birthday with friends Dana Davis and Jan Hall.

She said: "It's marvellous. We're having a really good time. I loved Jason Donovan. He was really good and he was singing just for me."

Jenny Cooper, 51 and from West Bromwich, said: "I've come in a group of six. We got here at about 10.30am. It's fabulous. We've come to celebrate my birthday which was Monday gone.

"The fine weather helps to make the show. It's always better when the sun shines."

Brian McAllister from Birmingham was at his third Let's Rock.

He said: "I went to the Bristol gig last year and Brum the year before that. I've come to see Kim Wilde - I'm a massive fan.

"Five Star were really good today, although it would have been good to see the whole band. It was just the lead singer today, but she was fab."

The outdoor concert was followed by a fireworks display.

Steve Haywood, from festival organisers UK Live, said: "We were thrilled that we were able to achieve a sold out show.

"There are 10,000 people here, a capacity crowd in the Quarry which is brilliant as it's the second year running that we have come here.

"Hopefully Shrewsbury will become a regular event for us. We are now doing 10 dates across the country.

"It is also our tenth anniversary year. We have a lot to celebrate and it's nice to do it in Shrewsbury."