THE UK’s leading retro festival is coming to Wales in two weeks, with Aussie legend Jason Donovan among the headlining acts.

Let’s Rock is a festival, formed in 2009 and hosted across 12 locations in the UK, which will teleport audiences back in time with a huge line-up of 80s singing sensations.

This includes one Welsh date on Saturday, June 1, at Newport’s Tredegar Park, with headline performances by Jason Donavan, Billy Ocean, Tony Hadley and even more in store for music fans.

In an exclusive interview with South Wales Argus, 80s icon Jason Donovan shared his excitement about returning to Let’s Rock.

“It’s a relatively new brand, but I’ve performed at Let’s Rock in the past and I love it,” he said.

“I love the idea of performing outside, sharing a stage with such a talented team of wonderful singers with some great songs.”

The popstar released his first album, Ten Good Reasons, 30 years ago, but is still ignited with a passion for music which will burn bright in front of thousands of fans at Let’s Rock Wales.

“Music is a language, which transcends into any art form,” added Mr Donovan.

“You form an emotional connection with music and the spirit it creates for others, so to me it isn’t about keeping the passion alive – I enjoy singing and performing live.

“But the audience are what it’s all about, especially at Let’s Rock. It’s amazing to look out and see people from all connected with the past, enjoying the nostalgia of 80s music.

“People should come to Let’s Rock Wales for the atmosphere, talent and nostalgia. Performing on stage I’ll look out and see all these fans dressed up as icons from the 80s and beyond and it’s wonderful.

“Let’s just keep our fingers crossed for some great weather!”

And it seems there’s no stopping Jason Donovan who, when asked if he’d ever stop touring, replied: “I love touring and I will continue to tour on a regular basis.

“In the past I’ve gone on huge tours which mean months away from home, which I’m moving away from. But I’ll certainly continue to do smaller tours.”

Billy Ocean will also be performing the retro event and said: “I genuinely love playing Let’s Rock, the atmosphere is always brilliant. Ten thousand crazy fans singing your songs back to you – what could be better?”

South Wales Argus:

Billy Ocean will also perform Let’s Rock Wales Picture: Haze Photography

Let’s Rock organisers, Nick Billinghurst and Matt Smith, added: “We’re really proud of what we’ve created with Let’s Rock and its such a thrill to work with legends like Billy. As he says, what makes Let’s Rock truly special is our amazingly loyal and up-for-it audience, and every year we strive to improve their experience. Here’s to our best Let’s Rock summer yet!”

Let’s Rock is a family-friendly festival and will feature a magical Kids’ Kingdom with an interactive circus, face painting, inflatables and more.

Revellers are welcome to bring their own picnic, or they can tuck into food dished up at the festival which includes Indian, Mexican, Chinese and a huge barbecue.

For adults, there are multiple bars and a Club Tropicana VIP area for those wanting an extra special treat.

VIP tickets include a welcome drink, fast track entry, a meal, access to the luxury loos, along with exclusive DJ sets from Pat Sharp and live sets from Nathan Moore and Black Lace.

The gates to Let’s Rock Wales open at 11am, with the festival starting at midday and ending at 10.30pm.

Visitors to Let’s Rock Wales can be dropped off, use the shuttle buses, or arrive by taxi.

Dragon Taxis is the official taxi service for Let’s Rock Wales – pre-book by calling 01633 216216 or download their app.

Shuttle buses, organised by Let’s Rock Wales, will run every 10 minutes from Newport Railway Station from 10.30am until 3.30pm. Then, shuttle buses will depart from Tredegar Park every 10 minutes from 6pm until 11pm.

Return tickets are £5 per adult, or free for children aged 12 and under providing they are supervised by a paying adult. Tickets for this must be booked in advance.

Tickets to Let’s Rock Wales, which is an independent festival, are priced by tiers – this means the earlier you buy them the cheaper the tickets.

Children aged three to 12 get free entry, but they must be booked alongside an adult ticket with a maximum of two children per adult (18+).

To find out more, or book your tickets before it’s too late, visit letsrockwales.com

Let’s Rock works with many amazing charities including Child Bereavement UK, The Wooden Spoon, and The Link Foundation.