80s Calling! is one of the most exciting additions to the town’s summer music calendar. A one day event featuring eight iconic artists headlined by The Human League, with very special guests Bananarama and Tony Hadley and featuring The Christians, The Farm, Toyah, Altered Images, and T’Pau, all on one stage at The Darlington Arena on Sunday 24th August 2025!

With gates opening at 12 noon, fans can look forward to an incredible full-day festival showcasing the best of 80s music. This retro revival promises a day filled with evocative fun and some of the greatest tunes from the decade!

Legendary ’80s synth-pop band The Human League will be headlining The Darlington Arena next summer. The new wave band formed in 1977 and achieved huge success in the ’80s with hits including ‘Don’t You Want Me’, ‘Together In Electric Dreams’ and ‘Tell Me When.’ They won their first BRIT award for Best British Breakthrough Act in 1982.

Lead singer Philip Oakey has been the band’s only consistent member since 1977 and was joined in 1981 by vocalists Joanne Catherall and Susan Anne Sulley as what is considered today to be the groups iconic line-up.

Bananarama, the most successful female group of all time, made up of Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward will be joining The Human League this summer for what is going to be a party not to be missed. 2025 continues to see the duo perform at their very best celebrating over 40 years at the top with the recent release of a new 40-track album, 'Glorious - The Ultimate Collection'.

With 30 top 40 UK hits, such as ‘Venus’, ‘Cruel Summer’ and ‘Love in the First Degree’ the most internationally charted hits by an all-female group, has seen them produce 12 albums, selling over 30 million records.

Joining them is one of pop music's greatest vocalists, former lead singer of Spandau Ballet, Tony Hadley joins the illustrious 80s Calling! line-up. Spandau Ballet were new romantic pioneers in the early Eighties, before maturing into Top 10 regulars during 1983 and 1984 with hits such as ‘True’, ‘Gold’ and ‘Only when you leave’. When the group went their separate ways in 1990, Hadley embarked on a fruitful solo career that has resulted in six studio albums and several live albums.

The Christians, one of the defining bands of the 1980s known for creating songs with socially conscious lyrics married with soulful bluesy melodies will be delving into their superlative back catalogue at The Darlington Arena this August.

Probably best known for their anthemic hit ‘All Together Now’ The Farm, led by vocalist Peter Hooton, are a band from Liverpool, who released their first album, ‘Spartacus’ in 1991 where it reached the top position in the UK charts and was re-released in 2021 to commemorate the anniversary. The Liverpool band recently release a brand new single ‘Forever and Ever’ which forms part of their first album in 30 years with 'Let The Music (Take Control)' to be released on May 2nd 2025 via Modern Sky.

Adding to the excitement, the enigmatic Toyah will take the stage, bringing her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence to Darlington. Toyah's eclectic style and captivating performances have made her an enduring figure in the music industry, and her show promises to be an experience filled with energy and passion. Toyah recently featured on series 22 of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing where she was partnered with professional dancer Neil Jones.

Scotland’s Altered Images also join the iconic lineup. Fronted by singer Clare Grogan, the new wave band broke into mainstream pop with six UK top-40 singles and three top-30 albums between 1981 and 1983. Their hits include "Happy Birthday," "I Could Be Happy," "See Those Eyes," and "Don't Talk to Me About Love."

Completing the line-up is the talented Carol Decker of T'Pau, renowned for her distinctive voice and unforgettable songs such as ‘China in Your Hand’ and ‘Heart and Soul). With her emotive performances and undeniable stage presence, Decker will deliver a show-stopping performance, transporting the audience back to the golden era of '80s music.

Liz Doogan-Hobbs MBE, CEO of LHG Events said “We're thrilled to announce this show and to be returning to Darlington Arena, and we are certain 80s Calling! is going to prove a huge hit with fans who not only remember the artists the first time around, but also newer fans who embrace the retro revival, or just want to enjoy top tunes in a spectacular summer setting. We hope to see as many of you there as possible and encourage you to dress your own take on 80s style and really embrace the spirit of the day. Bring on the neon, bring on the shades, and let’s have a party!”

Tickets for 80s Calling! on Sunday 24th August 2025, featuring The Human League, Bananarama, Tony Hadley, The Christians, The Farm, Toyah, Altered Images, and T’Pau go on General Sale at 10am on Friday 6th December 2024.

DMP members can enjoy exclusive access to discounted pre-sale tickets from 10am Thursday 5th December, with more details to follow via email.

Ticket Info 

• Tickets are on general sale at 10am on Friday 6th December 2024 with tickets priced from £49.50 + booking fee
• Hospitality packages and VIP upgrades are also available
• Accessible tickets are available directly from Ticketmaster

Tickets will be available from:

www.lhgtickets.com     
www.ticketmaster.co.uk   
www.eventim.co.uk