Katrina still making waves

When Katrina and the Waves recorded their feel good anthem Walking on Sunshine they never thought it would become such a huge hit .

The quintessentially 80s summer singalong became a worldwide classic and 30 years later Katrina - now minus The Waves - is still performing it to generations of fans.

She joins the likes of Billy Ocean, Kim Wilde, ABC, Jimmy Summerville and a host of 80s starts at the Flashback Festival at Clumber Park on August 16.

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Katrina said: “Back in the 80s artists never spoke to each other - we all thought we were so cool.

“Now we have a lot of respect for each other. We’re like survivors, we’ve been doing it for such a long time.

“There’s no pressure now, we can just have a good time entertain people, spread some joy and love and give people a good day out.

“We didn’t realise it back then but the 80s was a very distinctive sound.

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“Most of the chart music was simple and melodic. Walking on Sunshine has three chords - it’s a novelty song in a way - it’s often used to lift the mood used for a purpose. It’s almost like singing Happy Birthday for a birthdays. Everyone plays Walking on Sunshine for a good mood or a sunshiny day.

“I don’t think there’s any chance of it being overshadowed, it’s stood the test of time like a pair of Levi jeans.”

The hit went on to be used in countless ads and movies and has been covered by one of Katrina’s great musical heroines Dolly Parton.

Katrina and The Waves hit the big time for a second time when they won the Eurovision Song Contest with Shine a Light in 1997.

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Said Katrina:”All the 80s fans going to Flashback don’t need to be told it’s going to be an absolute blast. Expect everybody to show up in hideous shoulder pads and lots of eyeliner.”

For enthusiasts of 80s music what better way is there to spend a long summer evening than listening to your favourite performers in the picturesque location of Clumber Park?

A hosts of top chart artists from the era will perform live onstage at The Flashback Festival, on Saturday 16th August from 5-11pm.

Acts include Billy Ocean, Kim Wilde, ABC, Jimmy Somerville, Go West, Midge Ure, Katrina and The Doctor from Dr & the Medics.

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Flashback is a picnic event to which festival goers can bring along their own food and drink, so either sit back and relax or dance the away whilst listening to your favourite music.

Tickets for Flashback Festival are £37.95 adults, children under 14 £22; adult camping £49.50, child camping £34.

Tickets are available from the ticket hotline on 0845 0756101.

Alternatively go online at http://ukevents.neat-ticketing.co.uk/

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