Friday 19 July 2024.

Friday 19 July 2024....6.45pm to 10pm.... Revival Festival at Prospect Park, Reading. Celebrate the 90s and 00s with some of our favourite Pop and Dance acts and DJs Featuring 30 mins sets from: EAST 17 and A1. Both these boy hands had plenty of hits around 25 years ago during their heyday period. Huge Big Top Tent....Massive 5000 Capacity! Tired of getting ripped off for expensive tickets? Register in advance for FREE TICKETS for this event. Free tickets must arrive before 7pm. £10 charge applies thereafter.The organisers and council should get a pat on the back for putting on a free event. A1 released their debut single, "Be the First to Believe", entered the UK singles chart at number six in mid-1999. They achieved chart success in the UK and other parts of the world in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly Southeast Asia. In the UK, they scored two number ones ( Same Old Brand New You and a cover of A-Ha Take On Me) and six other top 10 hits, seven of which were written by the band. Adding to this, they also won a Brit Award for "British Breakthrough Act" in 2001. They were managed by band manager Tim Byrne, who also formed Steps. Looks like they still have all four original members. EAST 17 released 18 top 20 singles and four top-10 albums and was one of the UK's most popular boy bands during the early- to mid-1990s, aided by strong tabloid interest in their 'bad boy' image, compared to the clean-cut style of rivals Take That. Their style blended pop and hip hop in songs such as "House of Love" and "Let It Rain". East 17 has sold over 18 million albums worldwide and according to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the group has been certified with sales of 1.8 million albums and 2.6 million singles in the UK.Their biggest hit, "Stay Another Day", was the UK Christmas number one in 1994. They continue today under the lineup of only original member Terry Coldwell. ---------- Not sure why I am going to this event ,but it's a lovely sunny day and a new venue for me to check out. In July and August , many local councils have similar events , which are free , or cheap tickets. Lots of space , so maybe half the 5000 capacity. No surprise that's it's over 75% females here tonight. It's in a big top tent so it works well for a dark nightclub vibe , as there is a nicer stage production than expected , that has lots of lights and columns of flames and lasers for all the bands and djs. The DJs are playing classic drum n bass and dance anthems. A dad is wearing a Guns N Roses t-shirt as if to say he is only here due to his wife and daughter. A1 on stage at 7.55pm for 40 mins. As expected both the bands are singing live to backing tapes. A1 are all in their mid 40s now and still doing all their boy band routines. The big screen is showing some of their old videos as they play that particular song. They played their hits and a medley of boy band covers which included their number one hit cover of A-Ha Take On Me. EAST 17 on stage at 9.25pm for 35 mins. Not as much dancing from East 17 as A1. They played a greatest hits set , which included ''House of Love ' , 'Its Alright' and their superb number one hit 'Stay Another Day' which was the main reason I am here today. Such a great slice of perfect pop. An enjoyable enough evening. ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ Thursday 18 July 2024...7pm to 9.30pm... ZANDRA RHODES - book launch party - Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane , London W1. Always nice to be at this famous five star hotel. Around 150 guests here in one of their luxury spaces. Dame Zandra Rhodes launches her memoir ' Iconic : My Life in Fashion in 50 Objects'. The ever colourful Dame Zandra Rhodes, (now aged 83 ), is an English fashion and textile designer. Her early education in fashion set the foundation for a career in the industry creating textile prints. Rhodes has designed garments for Diana, Princess of Wales and numerous celebrities such as rock stars Freddie Mercury and Marc Bolan. Nice to see a mainly older crowd here. Several well known faces here including RICHARD E GRANT, MARIE HELVIN, SUZY MENKEZ, PAM HOGG, KAREN MILLEN, SIAN PHILLIPS, CELIA IMRIE, JOSHUA KANE, DAVID DOWNTON and PANDEMONIA ( 6'6" head to toe in latex ). Zandra's long time friend ANDREW LOGAN was here. The 78 year old was a friend of Malcolm McLaren He founded the Alternative Miss World in 1972, which he continued to run as of 2018. He influenced film-maker Derek Jarman, whose early film-making work documented the social scene around Logan and his studios at Butler's Wharf, London. Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood staged the "Valentine's Ball", at which the Sex Pistols first came to media attention, at his studios in 1976 At 8pm ZANDRA gave a welcome speech , and read a passage from her book. Complimentary Perrier Jouet champers Gin n Tonics, canapes and desserts for all the guests. See Getty Images for some nice photos of the event.

Posted 19th July 2024