Set against the backdrop of Temple Island Meadows, Saturday at Rewind South proved once again why this retro celebration has become such a beloved part of the summer calendar in Berkshire.
The annual festival delivered a day packed with retro favourites, flamboyant performances and big sing-along moments.
With the sun finally breaking through the clouds later in the day, the crowd draped in neon and face paint positively glowed as they danced, sang and celebrated music from yesteryear.
And, as ever, people were encouraged to dress up … and dress up they did. From neon-draped crowds to dinosaur costumes in the field, the ’80s-themed festival proved why it remains hugely popular with audiences.
The range of outfits is always inspiring and a real blast from the past.
Rewind South is an opportunity to hear the hits from some of the biggest names of the 1980s popworld. Original artistes all present and correct, ready to let people Rewind the fun.
Here are some of our highlights from an action-packed first day.
Helping keep the day flowing was TV host Jenny Powell, famous for the show No Limits, among others.
In addition to hosting the day, she interviewed people in the audience to find out what they were enjoying and to celebrate some of their outfits.
Sugarhill Gang and Boyzlife start the party at Rewind South
The day began with a jolt of energy thanks to the Sugarhill Gang and Furious Five, whose pioneering hip-hop grooves fired up the early crowd, set pulses racing and reminded everyone of the genre’s pioneering roots.
Switching gears, Boyzlife (Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden) drew one of the biggest early turnouts of the day.
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Their vocal chemistry was undeniable, and they leaned into their heartfelt renditions with fans singing word for word.
Kid Creole, The South and Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey
Colour and carnival vibes swept across the stage when Kid Creole & The Coconuts arrived, dazzling the audience with shimmering costumes, dancers and irresistible grooves.
Their carnival-like energy had the crowd joining in unison.
By contrast, The South, keeping the spirit of The Beautiful South alive, delivered a more laid-back, melodic set complete with fan favourites.
Later, Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins transported festivalgoers straight back to the era of synth-pop.
Dressed in crisp white, Miaimi Vice style, he punctuated his set with theatrical touches, from giant balloons to harmonica and cello solos.
Their timeless anthem Hold Me Now became one of the day’s biggest sing-along moments.
Short sets from Wang Chung and Junior kept the tempo flowing between other acts.
Go West and ABC raise the nostalgia
As the day built, Go West lifted the crowd with a roaring rendition of King of Wishful Thinking, sparking one of the loudest choruses of the day.
ABC followed, with frontman Martin Fry clad in pink and leading the band through a shimmering run of new wave anthems, adding a stylish touch of sophistication.
Soft Cell’s exclusive UK show closes the night
As night fell over Henley, anticipation peaked for Soft Cell’s exclusive UK performance.
Marc Almond’s powerful, dramatic vocals blended perfectly with Dave Ball’s brooding synths, creating a set that was dark, atmospheric and unforgettable.
Naturally, Tainted Love was the moment everyone had been waiting for – a track that brought the entire festival together in a final, euphoric sing-along.
The set oozed atmosphere, dark, decadent and unforgettable.
Truly a great first day at Rewind South 2025.
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