Big weekend of live music coming to Canvey Island this August

A big weekend of live music is coming to Canvey Island this August to kick-start a new programme of
outdoor entertainment for the town. ‘The Big 90s vs 00s Festival’, at Waterside Farm recreation ground on Saturday 17 August, will feature one of the UK’s best loved radio DJ and tv presenters, Toby Anstis, plus live performances from Toploader, Let Loose, Livin’ Joy and Baby D.

On Sunday 18 August, ‘The Canvey Taylor Eras Experience’, promises a must-see show for all Taylor
Swift fans.

The two exciting new events for Canvey Island mark the first in a new wave of shows being organised for 2024 and beyond by a consortium of promoters working in association with Castle Point Borough Council. Canvey Island boasts a rich pop music heritage, and organisers want to build on that legacy through an array of family-friendly events that everyone can enjoy, whether they are local residents or visitors to the Essex coast.

A festival vibe will be created at Waterside Farm’s now fully licensed recreation ground with a main stage, special effects, large screens, fairground rides and assortment of trading stalls, street food outlets and bars.

Toby Anstis, the Heart FM DJ whose showbiz career began in BBC1s legendary ‘broom cupboard, headlines ‘The Big 90s vs 00s Festival’.

“I can’t wait to bring my show – Relight The 90s to Canvey Island on 17th August,”

says Toby Anstis.

“Get ready for a night filled with the best 90s hits, incredible energy, and a trip down memory lane like never before. From the Spice Girls to Oasis and all the biggest dance anthems of the decade, we’re going to relive the decade’s greatest music and unforgettable moments together. It’s going to be a spectacular event that you won’t want to miss!”

‘Toploader’, best known for their cover of Dancing In the Moonlight, top the bill which also includes Eurodance group, Livin’ Joy, who released a string of hits during the mid-1990s including ‘Dreamer’, ‘Don’t Stop Movin’ and ‘Where Can I Find Love’. Highlights also include a retro set from house music group, Baby D, best known for their hit single ‘Let Me Be Your Fantasy’ which hit number 1 on
the UK chart in 1994.

Completing the festival line-up, British pop trio ‘Let Loose’ bring together original members Rob Jeffrey (guitars and backing vocals) and Lee J. Murray (drums, percussion and backing vocals), alongside former Bad Boys Inc singer Matthew James Pateman. The acclaimed boy band sold over a million records worldwide in the 1990s including Crazy For You, which stayed at Number 2 in the UK for weeks becoming a 90’s anthem. The band spent five years travelling the globe and appeared on Top of the Pops no less than 12 times with other top 10 hits such as Make It With You, Best In Me, Seventeen and One Night Stand.

Rob Jeffrey said:

“It’s such a pleasure to hit Canvey this summer. I am Essex born and bred, Colchester being my hometown, so it’s going to be amazing to perform so close to home. It’s been 30 years this summer since our biggest hit, Crazy for You. The time was right for us to re-unite and what could be a better place to celebrate the 90s on our doorstep than Canvey! See you there for one hell of a show!”

‘The Canvey Taylor Eras Experience’ promises the perfect afternoon for Swifties aged 2 to 102 with Fearlessly Taylor, one of Europe’s top Taylor tribute acts. The festival vibe comes complete Swiftie dancers, support acts, giveaways, lip sync battles; plus street food stalls, licensed bars and family activities. For all those who didn’t manage to catch Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Wembley this summer, this is the perfect alternative.

‘The Big 90s vs 00s Festival’ takes place 1pm-9pm on Saturday 17 August. Tickets are on sale now with adult tickets from £28.50 per person and just £5 for children under 16: 90s & 00s Festival – Canvey Island (mhtickets.com)

‘The Canvey Taylor Eras Experience’ takes place from 12 – 3pm on Sunday 18 August – tickets at £13.50 for adults and £5 for children on sale now: The Canvey Taylor Eras Experience (mhtickets.com)

Both events take place on the recreation ground at Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Somnes Avenue, Castle Point SS8 9RA. Ample parking is available on site at £6, plus booking fee, for the day.

Tickets from www.bigcanveyfestival.com

Aston spoke to Rob Jeffrey from Let Loose.