Let's Rock have been delivering 80s music festival since 2009, and they have perfected their craft.
Set in the grounds of Temple Newsam Let's Rock kick off with power house 80s legend Tony Hadley. And here I have to reflect on issues some had, as not all early birds got to see Tony, or arrived late to his hour long set.
The doors opening at 11am to long queues. The festival organiser had arranged for 10 entrances, along with a VIP one, but the queues moved slow. Many have reflected frustration on this matter, along with others who arrived later into the afternoon (and still queued for a good while) reflecting on the sound quality. Both of these problems could easily be resolved, and it's difficult to say if this is the organisers responsibility or attendees. The main issue and reason for the delays was that most of the crowd turned up with chairs, blankets, tables. This slowed down searches, it also lead to many spreading across the ground where they ended up on the far side of the speaker where the music sounded poor. I walked the grounds, and it was obvious. The organisers did what they could by trying to get the crowds to move down to the front where there was still plenty of space. I appreciate for the older audience the seating is beneficial, but as most come with cup holders they could scrap the blankets.
Outside of these issues, the majority had a brilliant time. The festival is extremely slick, they know how to keep the party going nonstop. After Blancmange, the Lets Rock Hit Factory took to the stage, gifting us with performer after performer performing hit after hit. This was all dealt with by a superb backing band who played through supporting Heatwave, Hue & Cry, and Roland Gift, all with a two minute stage turn around. A festival which delivers to this pace is impressive, whereas many others have to deal with gaps as they adjust the staging for the next band.
This doesn't mean that Let's Rock didn't have to stage such swap overs, as the night moved on and acts who arrived to play with their own band took to the stage, a 25 minute switch around came into play. However, the party didn't stop, with the likes of Pat Sharpe taking to the stage to DJ, and then Nathan Moore delivering singalongs.
If you want a great time, you have to visit a Let's Rock festival. And if you can go VIP. VIP bar queues are short, if the rain comes it's sheltered, and Nathan Moore delivers very close up singalongs for all on at least three occasions. It's a banging tent of fun.
To see why future festivals are coming near you https://letsrockleeds.com