Live at Llangollen Pavilion has announced two huge 80s headline shows for summer 2027. Holly Johnson plays on Sunday 27 June, and Bananarama follow a week later on Sunday 4 July. With Toyah, Haircut 100, Tony Hadley and Altered Images also on the bill, it promises to be a summer to remember.
Holly Johnson Goes to Llangollen Pavilion
Former Frankie Goes To Hollywood frontman Holly Johnson will bring some Hollywood glamour to North Wales on Sunday 27 June. He’ll be joined by special guests Haircut 100 and Toyah. Tickets are on sale now via llangollen.net and Ticketmaster.
Holly found massive fame as the lead vocalist and lyricist of Frankie Goes To Hollywood. One of the biggest-selling bands of the 1980s, they debuted with three consecutive UK Number 1 singles. Those were Relax, Two Tribes and The Power Of Love.
Since going solo in 1987, he’s built a second catalogue of hits, including Love Train, Americanos and Atomic City. He also remains a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ visibility and human rights. This summer he played sold-out shows across the country, proving his voice hasn’t dimmed one bit.
Haircut 100 and Toyah Join the Line-Up
Joining Holly will be new wave favourites Haircut 100. Earlier this year, they made their comeback with the album Boxing The Compass. It brought the classic line-up of Nick Heyward, Graham Jones, Les Nemes and Blair Cunningham back together for the first time in 44 years.
The album followed single The Unloving Plum, which became BBC Radio 2’s Record Of The Week. Of course, fans will also want to hear Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl), Love Plus One, Fantastic Day and Nobody’s Fool. Expect plenty of singing along.
Completing the line-up is punk and new wave icon Toyah. With 13 Top 40 singles and 25 albums, her hits include It’s A Mystery, I Want To Be Free and Good Morning Universe. What’s more, she’ll release her new studio album, Future Dreaming!, in 2027.
Bananarama Bring a Summer of Hits
A week later, on Sunday 4 July, Bananarama bring their Too Hot To Handle Greatest Hits Summer Tour to Llangollen Pavilion. As the most successful British female band of the 80s, they hold the Guinness World Record for chart entries by an all-female group. They’ve also sold more than 30 million records.
Bananarama now tour as a two-piece featuring founder members Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward. Original member Siobhan Fahey left in 1988 (though she temporarily rejoined for a 2017 reunion tour), and Jacquie O’Sullivan was a member from 1988 to 1991. Dallin and Woodward have otherwise continued as a duo.
Their catalogue includes Cruel Summer, Venus, Love In The First Degree, Nathan Jones and Robert De Niro’s Waiting. This summer, they celebrated 40 years since their album True Confessions, with an anniversary edition reaching Number Six. Clearly, their appeal still spans generations.
“Summer 2027 we are so ready for you!” said Sara Dallin. “We can’t wait to perform all of our biggest hit singles and bring the Bananarama party to some of the UK’s most brilliant outdoor venues!” Bandmate Keren Woodward added, “We promise a night of real 80s nostalgia.”
Tony Hadley and Altered Images
Joining Bananarama will be Tony Hadley, whose voice helped define the soundtrack of a generation. As frontman of Spandau Ballet, he delivered hits such as True, Gold, Only When You Leave and Through the Barricades. His successful solo career has also made him one of the UK’s most respected artists.
Opening the night will be Scottish new wave favourites Altered Images, fronted by Clare Grogan. The band became known for infectious pop melodies with a post-punk edge. Their hits include Happy Birthday, I Could Be Happy and Don’t Talk to Me About Love.
Decades on, their energetic live shows still capture the joy of the era. So, from the first song to the last, this will be a night of non-stop 80s favourites. Bring your dancing shoes.
“Something for Everyone” at Llangollen Pavilion
Both concerts are part of a partnership between the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor. Artistic Director Dave Danford said the Holly Johnson line-up promises “a night packed with character, colour and some truly iconic songs”. He believes it will be “one of those evenings with a real sense of occasion”.
He also said the Bananarama show “adds another very different flavour for 2027”. As a result, there really is something for everyone at Llangollen Pavilion next summer. The two nights join a programme that already includes James Morrison, Jack Savoretti, Alfie Boe and Ronan Keating.
The Eisteddfod itself returns for its 80th anniversary, with Jools Holland on 8 July and a gala concert on 10 July. Tickets for both 80s shows are on sale now. With Christmas around the corner, they could make a perfect present for any 80s fan.
We hope you enjoyed reading about the 80s legends heading to Llangollen Pavilion. Click here for more articles about music and performing arts.
