NOT so much a ‘flashback’ – more of a flash, bang, wallop!

Revellers romped the night away at the final Little Easton Champagne Picnic of 2010 on Saturday as they took a step back in time to enjoy rock, pop and disco classics.

Carrying the banner ‘Flashback to the 80’s’, it was a night to break out the big hair, put on the flowing frocks, apply the neon glow paint and get down and boogie.

Taking the stage were a host of big names and scintillating tribute acts as over five hours of music entertained an ‘up for it’ crowd that numbered in the high hundreds.

Soul singer Alexandra O’Neil flew in from the USA especially for the gig and straight away announced that everyone was “in the O’Neil house now.”

But he didn’t have much work to do because the crowd had already been whipped into a frenzy by sing along classics from Club Tropicana experts WhamDuran, Lion Sleeps tonight singers Tight Fit, and a rousing set from The American Soul Show led by Roy Hemmings of The Drifters.

Ian Drury’s original band The Blockheads rounded things off as at 11.25pm the buzzing crowds stumbled off home well and truly hit with the rhythm stick.

WHO should play at next year’s Little Easton Champagne Picnics? Give us your ideas via e-mail – editor@dunmow-broadcast.co.uk

Or you can write to 54 High Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1EE.

To get pictures visit our website at dunmow-broadcast24.co.uk and click on myphotos24.

Blue box

On Saturday night, reporter Nick Thompson went along to witness the picnic atmosphere for himself – this is his take on the night by the lake

IT may have been cold, it may have been damp – but boy, what a night.

It never ceases to amaze how when the Brits step out and want to enjoy themselves, nothing will stop them.

The crowd that flocked to the champagne picnic was as well behaved as it was boisterous, which made for a great atmosphere and a rollicking night out.

Beer, wine and cider flowed as everyone got up to dance and sing the night away as (in between one threatening cloud after another) the stars shimmered overhead.

Yes, there was the odd delay in-between setting up acts, and sure The Blockhead probably didn’t quite get long enough at the end – but what does it matter? Everyone went home happy, and the Uttlesford taxi business certainly made a killing.

If you have a spare �30 next year, and quite frankly even if you don’t, make sure you get a place at the picnic. It’ll keep a strong local event going and I guarantee you’ll have a good time.