Bexhill goes back to the 80s: Free day-long festival announced

Organised by Roger Crouch and Russell Nisbet, "Return to the 80s" is scheduled for July 11 on the Metropole Lawn, located next to the De La Warr Pavilion. This event follows last year's successful "Spirit of the Wild West" in September.

Roger said: "After organising Pirate Day (in Hastings) for 10 years, Roaring 20s for 4 years and 4 years of a Pirate festival on the Isle of Wight, I decided to organise one-off themed events with a different theme each year. There's been the 60s Revolution, 70s Explosion, Medieval Pageant, and the Spirit of the Wild West; each has engaged the community and visitors, giving people a chance to dress up in period costume, and they were all very favourably received."

The free-to-attend event will feature live 1980’s music all day, children's entertainment and a themed market. There will be a selection of classic 1980's vehicles organised by Fiona Hemsworth, and a "few surprises", Roger said.

He added: "Last year's Spirit of the Wild West was very successful, great attendance, and it was wonderful to see people engaging with the event. That was a concept I had planned a long time ago, so it was very satisfying for me to see that vision come to life.

"Community events, especially free to attend, are so important for the local community, bringing families, friends and people together and bringing a great spirit. As always, I am just as enthusiastic about this year's event. I love doing something different. It's always a challenge, but one that I relish."