BOLTON came alive with the original sounds of the 80s as some of the era's biggest names in pop played the Reebok Stadium.

Rain bounced off the stage for the second night of the Big Light on Festival as Go West warmed up the 2,000 fans on Saturday night for what was to be an energetic step back in time to the days of leg warmers, side ponytails and "big" hair.

A handful of children -- no doubt dragged along by their enthusiastic parents to appreciate the music of their day -- mingled with hundreds of 30-somethings who were reminiscing about their youth.

The powerful voice of Go West front man Peter Cox echoed across the Wanderers' stadium as he performed hits including King of Wishful Thinking and We Close Our Eyes.

Next up was T'pau and, complete with trademark red hair, it was difficult to see how lead singer Carol Decker had changed since her hey day.

A lively set from her included the up-beat Heart and Soul, as well as number one ballad China in Your Hand, which had the fans swaying from side to side in perfect unison.

Following T'pau was Toyah who, despite being 46 years old, just about managed to get away with wearing a skin-tight black PVC cat-suit and red devil horns.

She may not have been the strongest vocally, but what the ex-children's TV presenter lacked in voice she made up for in sheer charisma, whipping the audience into a frenzy with her provocative dance moves.

The final act of the first half was Curiosity Killed the Cat, and though I heard several women in the crowd commenting on how handsome lead singer Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot used to be, I couldn't quite see it myself.

He kicked off with the catchy Name and Number, but struggled to keep the fans' attention during a series of mediocre tracks, and was only saved by the classic Straight Back Down.

The second half was shared between headliners Howard Jones and ABC, who played for 40 minutes each.

Howard Jones was a huge hit with the older members of the audience, with his biggest-selling single, New Song, getting some of the night's loudest screams and What Is Love achieving a standing ovation. ABC brought the Hear and Now Tour to a close with 80s classics including Look of Love and Poison Arrow.

It may not have been a sell-out event, but the enthusiasm of those who did attend made up for the empty seats and it is safe to say they left full of nostalgia and hungry for more.

TERI JONES