Jeremy Williams, Arts Correspondent
Blackpool 80s Weekender: Two Days of Pure Nostalgia
The Blackpool 80s Weekender arrives at the iconic Winter Gardens on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026, bringing together a stellar line-up of artists who helped define the soundtrack of the decade. Across two days, the legendary venue will become a neon-drenched celebration of big choruses, unforgettable melodies and the unmistakable spirit of the 80s.
Friday gets the weekend off to a flying start with Kim Wilde, Nik Kershaw, Katrina and the high-energy 80s Lycra taking to the stage. Wilde remains one of British pop's defining stars, while Kershaw brings a catalogue packed with instantly recognisable hits including Wouldn't It Be Good, The Riddle and I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me. Katrina, meanwhile, will add another dose of nostalgic pop brilliance to the evening.
Kim Wilde
Toyah
Saturday turns the volume up even further, with an impressive roll call of British 80s favourites. ABC, Go West, Johnny Hates Jazz, The Christians, Toyah and Hue & Cry will all perform, offering fans the chance to experience everything from sophisticated synth-pop and new wave to soulful pop and huge singalong anthems.
For many fans, Toyah: In Conversation could prove to be one of the weekend's standout moments. The special event promises a chance to go behind the music and hear from one of the decade's most distinctive and enduring performers, offering a different perspective on the songs, career and cultural moments that helped make the 80s so memorable.
But this is much more than a series of concerts. The Winter Gardens itself will become an immersive 80s playground, with experiences, themed events and surprise moments spread throughout the venue. From the grandeur of the Empress Ballroom to the atmosphere around the wider complex, the organisers are promising a weekend designed to keep the nostalgia flowing from afternoon through to the early hours.
And the party certainly doesn't stop when the final encore finishes.
The Weekender's after-show parties will keep the dancefloor moving, with TV and radio presenter Jenny Powell taking over DJ duties alongside 80s Lycra, the high-energy aerobic dance troupe guaranteed to bring plenty of movement, colour and retro fun to the proceedings.
Whether you're a dedicated 80s music obsessive, a fan of one particular artist, or simply looking for a weekend of feel-good entertainment with a healthy dose of nostalgia, Blackpool 80s Weekender looks set to deliver.
With a line-up spanning some of the biggest names and most enduring sounds of the decade, two days at the Winter Gardens could be the perfect excuse to dig out the neon, brush up on the dance moves and sing along to the songs that never really went away.
Tickets: Ticketmaster – Blackpool 80s Weekender