THOUSANDS of fans of 1980s pop descended on Ashton Gate at the weekend for the second annual Let’s Rock Bristol festival.

Held for the first time this year at its new venue, having taken place at Blaise Castle in 2013, this three-day event was back and bigger than ever.

Celebrating all that was great about the eighties, from neon leg warmers and ra-ra skirts to Ghostbusters and Madonna’s infamous Desperately Seeking Susan look, many now middle-aged men and women made the effort to dress up for the occasion.

Despite dreadful weather forecasts, the festival was basked in sunshine for much of Saturday as a line-up of stars from the decade which fashion forgot took to the stage.

Sonia, T’Pau, Heaven 17, Boney M and Midge Ure entertained all afternoon, interspersed with chat from presenters of Absolute Radio 80s and even Funhouse host Pat Sharpe turned up to introduce some acts.

Powerhouse ballad singer Alexander O’Neal was a highlight for many as he belted out hits Criticise and Never Knew Love Like This and Belinda Carlisle proved great value for money with an energetic performance of her surprising number of hits including We Want the Same Thing, Circle in the Sand and of course finishing with an extended version of Heaven is a Place on Earth.

Go West were next up and as well as performing their own hits Call Me and King of Wishful Thinking, they did a number of covers including Kings of Leon’s massive hit Sex on Fire, which gave the crowd a renewed reason to get up and dance.

Legendary Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley was the jewel in the crown on Saturday, looking as smart as ever and still sounding as powerful as he did in the 1980s. Included in his set was a tribute to Queen singer Freddie Mercury with a cover of Somebody to Love as well as a rousing version of U2’s With or Without You.

A beautiful rendition of Barricades followed, but the loudest applause of the night was saved for Spandau hits True and the final song, Gold, which saw the entire audience singing along in unison and punching the air with excitement.

The last set of the night, from Downend’s own Banarama, made for a disappointing end to Saturday as remaining band members Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin may have looked good but clearly couldn’t remember all their own dance moves, although legions of fans in the audience certainly hadn’t forgotten them.

Despite complaining of tired feet and not being allowed any audience members on stage, the pair pleased the crowed with hits Venus, I Want You Back and Love in the First Degree.

Sunday’s line-up included Toya, Matt Bianco, Nik Kershaw, Kim Wilde and Rick Astley with thousands more loyal fans of the 1980s pouring in to soak up the retro atmosphere.

With plenty to do for children including inflatable fun and rides, Let’s Rock Bristol has made a name for itself as a family festival with an impressive roll call of the biggest pop stars from back in the day.