DID somebody say party? Better still, did somebody say 80s retro party?

Organisers of Jack Up The Summer have announced the ultimate feel-good party night for the opening night of the 2020 festival.

Friday, August 7, which is included in the price of the weekend ticket looks to be nothing but fun – featuring the flamboyant Doctor and The Medics, the energetic Jive Bunny and the pop world’s equivalent of the naughty seaside postcard, Black Lace.

Named after a Black Lace album, The Greatest Ever Party at North Fairlee Farm in Newport will also feature the world record attempt at the longest-ever conga line, helped along by Black Lace's hit Do the Conga.

Undoubtedly best known for their 1986 number one hit Spirit in the Sky, Doctor and The Medics have had a colourful and successful career as both recording artists and performers.

Best known for their novelty party anthems, Black Lace spent 86 weeks in the UK charts in the 1980s.

Their biggest hit, Agadoo, reached number two in 1984 and they had follow-up success with tracks such as Superman, Hokey Cokey, Wig Wam Bam, I Am the Music Man and Do the Conga.

Event manager Sarah Moss said: “Black Lace’s gift to British culture is one which typically causes people to immediately put their head in their hands, however without realising it they’ll be launching into the lyrics that once divided lovers of ‘proper music’ and the wider record-buying public. "Who doesn’t like to let their hair down, relive the good times and simply have a bit of fun?

"So dig out your Hawaiian shirts, glow sticks and flower garlands and prepare to celebrate Summer with our sizzling hot opening party.”

Jive Bunny had 11 entries in the UK singles chart between 1989 and 1991.

Previously confirmed artists for the weekend include M People’s Heather Small, Heaven 17, Big Country, Aswad, From The Jam and The Strangler’s front man Hugh Cornwell, with more announcements to come.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale online at jackupthesummer.co.uk and over the counter at the County Press office in Newport.

  • Doctor and the Medics frontman, Clive Jackson said: “Ever since the dawn of festival culture in the UK I have embraced it on so many levels. I believe few things bring people and communities together more than the festival experience and none more so than Jack Up The Summer which we are lucky to have been involved in since its first year. Over those first few years that we played we got to know many people both back stage and from the audience and we really got to feel the Island’s community spirit! Now heading into its eight year it’s been an absolute joy to see this amazing homegrown festival develop and we can’t wait to get back and renew old acquaintances and be part of this special event once more!”