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Ex-editor and chief reporter produce annual for 1980s music festival

A former weekly newspaper editor and chief reporter now specialising in 1980s music journalism have produced an annual for a festival where pop stars from the decade will perform.

Leigh Adams and Sue Archer, of music news agency Choose 80s, devised and wrote the annual for attendees of Chilfest, which will feature appearances from performers including former Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley and Kim Wilde.

Leigh, former editor of the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian, and Sue, former chief reporter at the same paper, are sponsors of the Hertfordshire music event, and worked in association with Chilfest to produce the book.

Both journalists also worked on Newsquest titles the Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford Citizens, Redbridge Independent and the Waltham Forest Guardian series.

The annual features interviews with Marc Almond, Nick Heyward and From The Jam among others, as well as 80s features, quizzes and trivia.

It was launched at a special event attended by Tony Hadley.

From left: Leigh Adams, designer Jo Euston-Moore, Tony Hadley and Sue Archer

From left: Leigh Adams, designer Jo Euston-Moore, Tony Hadley and Sue Archer

Said Sue: “As avid 80s fans, it’s been fantastic seeing our vision come to life and we hope everyone enjoys the book as much as we enjoyed writing it.”

Both Sue and Leigh have been regulars at music festivals including Chilfest over the last eight years, interviewing stars for national, local and music publications as well as their own social media sites.

Leigh said: “It’s been a dream come true to interview the musicians who were our idols as teenagers.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have produced this annual in association with Chilfest, which is an amazing festival.”