Get ready to dial up the nostalgia, dig out those neon windbreakers and tie your shoelaces tight — Flashback Festival is coming to Chesterfield! A brilliant celebration of live music from the 80s and 90s, this festival promises to bring back those anthemic choruses, killer guitar solos, dance-floor classics and pure pop exuberance in a weekend to remember.
When & Where
Flashback Festival will be held in summer at a scenic outdoor venue just outside Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Think open skies, grassy fields, festival vibes — ideal for reminiscing with friends, family, and all those tracks that defined a generation. Doors open midday, with live performances throughout the afternoon and evening.
The Line-Up
Expect a headline bill of icons and hefty throwbacks. Picture this:
- An ‘80s synthpop legend belting out their radio staples
- Pop-rock heroes from the early 90s bringing that stadium energy
- A mixture of solo artists and bands
- Special surprise acts & tributes to the biggest hits from both decades
Support acts will include local bands, tribute outfits, DJs spinning tunes from the golden years, and maybe even a special acoustic set or two.
What to Expect
- Main stage: A Main Stage for the big names.
- Visuals & effects: Light shows, lasers, neon – visual style was everything in the 80s/90s, and this festival will lean into that.
- Food & Drink: Street food stalls with a variety of cuisines, indie drink vendors, retro sweets and treats to evoke childhood memories.
- Merch & Memorabilia: Festival-t shirts, retro gear, vinyl stalls, maybe a market for vintage clothes.
- Dress code (optional): Neon, shoulder pads, bucket hats, big belts — embrace the colours and styles of the 80s & 90s.
Why Chesterfield?
Chesterfield, with its rich cultural heart and proximity to Derbyshire’s green landscapes, is a perfect backdrop for musical nostalgia. Locals have shown a love for throwback nights — from “90s Reunion” evenings to ‘80s Bash in Queen’s Park — so a full-blown festival is a natural next step.
Who Should Come
- Anyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s, missing the energy of live music
- Younger people wanting to experience the classics first-hand
- Families — great chance to introduce kids to music from before their time
- Groups of friends looking for a trip down memory lane
Tips for Attending
- Arrive early — to catch your favourite acts, avoid queues, and soak in the scene.
- Dress up — whether it’s bright colours, big hair, or retro accessories, it makes the vibe even better.
- Bring layers — even in summer, British weather can surprise you.
- Budget for merch & food — street food’s fun, but prices can add up.
- Plan travel & accommodation — Chesterfield has options, but a full event will fill up hotels and local B&Bs.
What Makes It Special
Flashback Festival isn’t just another nostalgia event — it’s about bringing a community together in Derbyshire to celebrate music’s golden era, live and loud. The raw energy of guitar riffs, synths, drum machines, and unforgettable hooks; the shared joy of hearing those songs you can’t help singing along to; the moments when the crowd roars out a chorus — that’s what makes this festival more than just old songs.
Final Word
If you miss the glory of MTV, cassette mixes, the rise of dance culture, grunge, Britpop or anything in between, then Flashback Festival is your time machine. Chesterfield will be glowing in neon, vibrating to drumbeats, shimmering in spotlights — and for a weekend, we’ll all be transported back. 🎸🎤🕺