Galston News: Retrofest is a hit at Loudoun Castle
Sep 4 2009 by Ian Russell, Kilmarnock Standard
THOUSANDS of pop-picking punters bopped ‘til they dropped at the weekend’s Retrofest bash at Loudoun Castle.
Headliners Gloria Gaynor and Level 42 were supported by an array of 70s/80s acts including ABC, Heaven 17, Go West and Midge Ure, and despite the expected ‘mud, glorious mud’ mayhem that such gatherings always guarantee, a great time was had by all who rolled back the years in style.
Loudoun boss Henk Bembom was all smiles after the event, praising organisers and the Loudoun staff for ensuring the eleventh-hour switch of venue to the Irvine Valley didn’t put a damper on things.
Colourful costumes added to the party atmosphere. I spotted Smurfs, Batman, Superman, Elvis, Fred and Wilma Flintstone, and many more singing and dancing their way to a Retrofest hangover.
And on Saturday the sun shone, a big bonus for the fans and the organisers, Ingenious Festivals, who were delighted with the reception afforded outfits like A Flock of Seagulls, a wonderful Heaven 17, the Bay City Rollers, One Night With Queen and smoothie Rick Astley.
Veteran soul songstress Gloria Gaynor sent the late-night Saturday revellers boogieing to their beds as she belted out I Will Survive yet one more time!
The disco diva was in fine form onstage and afterwards took time to pose for pictures with lucky fans backstage. She summed up the reaction from all the performers.
“What a fantastic place,” said Gloria. “I’d love to come back next year.”
Sunday’s line-up included Midge Ure, the Average White Band and a Martin Fry-led ABC, who were cool, classy, and a big hit with the by-then rather less rowdy audience. The beer and cider had taken their toll by the time Level 42 rounded off the music on Sunday night.
It was one hell of a weekend and plans are already afoot to ensure Loudoun clinches the deal to stage Retrofest 2010.
Said Henk Bembom: “To actually stage the event here this year was a mammoth task. We literally only had a few weeks to cope with the pressures that a last-minute change of venue bring.
“We would all love to have Retrofest back here next summer, and with what we’ve learned from the weekend I’ve no doubt we’d put on a bigger show with a number of improvements.”
Pictures by Guy Hinks.