Lytham Proms – battle of the ’80s and ’90s!

Organisers of the three-day event have unveiled a stellar line-up of stars for the opening evening of the big Fylde coast party in August.

And it is being billed as the 80s versus the 90s – with the stars of each decade going all out to woo the crowds on Lytham Green.

The ‘80s team is packed with talent and includes Hue & Cry, The Christians, Howard Jones, China Crisis and Captain Sensible.

Representing the ‘90s are pop legends Blue, Heather Small, Atomic Kitten and B*witched.

It all makes for a massive fun evening of musical nostalgia on Friday August 1 as the festival kicks off its fifth birthday.

Organisers have already unveiled a host of international classical music and West End stars for the much-anticipated summer party on the coast.

They have put together a stellar gathering for the Last Night of the Proms evening of the event on Sunday August 3, that includes Michael Ball and Lesley Garrett.

And music legend Tom Jones, whose music spans the decades, is lined up to entertain the crowds on Saturday August 2.

Friday night’s line-up is crammed with acts that topped the charts throughout the 80s and 90s.

Fans of Big Brother will be looking forward to seeing Lee Ryan with his Blue bandmates fresh from his appearance on the Channel 5 reality show.

Tickets go on sale on February 14, and organisers are predicting another massive turnout from North West music lovers for the three days of entertainment that starts on Friday August 1.

Peter Taylor, festival director at St Annes-based Cuffe & Taylor, is delighted by the Friday night line-up.

He said: “The opening night of the festival has a special place in music lovers’ hearts as an evening of nostalgia and as this is our fifth birthday we’ve taken it to the next level.

“Not only do we have some of the biggest stars of the 80s belting out their hits this year, we’ve got massive talent from the 90s taking to the stage as well to double the fun.

“It really is a battle of the decades, and we’re hoping people will come along and support the decade that they remember and love.

“But you don’t have to have been there at the time to love the music bands like Blue, Atomic Kitten and The Christians, not to mention solo artists like Heather Small, perform.

“Their works have become pop classics, loved by people of all ages, who will get a real buzz out of seeing top talent performing live.

“We’re really excited by the line-up of stars we’re bringing together for the whole three days. The ‘80s versus the ‘90s promises to get everyone into the party mood for what will be a weekend to remember.”

The 2014 Proms Weekend, which will run from August 1 to 3, again promises to be the highlight of the summer season and another massive sell out.

Olly Murs, Boyzone, Status Quo, Alfie Boe and, last year, Rita Ora, have all performed at the Fylde Coast spectacular, which is Lancashire’s largest live music event and attracts tens of thousands of spectators every year.

It has been announced that the 2014 event will follow a slightly different format, with the ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert now moving to the Sunday evening.

Explaining the change in format, Peter Taylor said: “To mark our fifth anniversary we felt it more fitting to have the firework display on the final evening, and to make it extra special.

“This year we are also introducing children’s tickets as we want this to be an event that the whole family can enjoy together.”

Last year crowds flocked to opening night ‘The 80’s Strikes Back’, with headliners Tony Hadley, Jason Donovan and Marc Almond.

That was followed by Saturday night’s spectacular ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert, headlined by international singing star Russell Watson.

Heading up the final Sunday night was Brit Award nominee and number one-selling artist Rita Ora, with special guests Conor Maynard and Stooshe.