IT was fitting that in the grounds of historic Hoghton Tower we were transported back in time for some fun in the sunshine on Friday evening.

This was the first time a pop concert had been held to help raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice – the traditional symphony and fireworks followed on Saturday with Aled Jones, Sophie Evans and the Heart of England Philharmonic Orchestra.

After last year’s disastrous weather which forced the event to be cancelled the organisers were granted the perfect evening for an ‘80s party.

The Christians were the perfect support act, running through many of their hits such as Hooverville, Ideal World and Harvest for the World. Their tight harmonies and catchy melodies were ideal and lead singer Gary Christian enjoyed a great rapport with the ever-growing crowd. Then it was the turn of headliners the Human League to send everyone dancing in the dark.

Phil Oakey’s fringe may have long gone but the voice is better than ever as hit followed hit in a 75-minute set which included one or two connoisseurs’ items such as Being Boiled and Empire State Human.

At times the sound was a little dodgy – the bass synthesiser threatened to take out vital organs at one point, but no-one cared.

They had all come to enjoy themselves and the Human League didn’t let them down.

Susan Ann Sully and Joanne Catherall acted as glamorous cheerleaders, not that the crowd needed any encouragement.

From the first note of opening number Mirror Man to a rousing set closer Don’t You Want Me, most people were already singing along.

As darkness fell, thousands of voices joined in an encore of Together in Electric Dreams having had a great night out.