WITH the countdown on for Suffolk's biggest picnic concert of the year, Tony Hadley fans have only seven days to make sure they don't miss out on the action.

WITH the countdown on for Suffolk's biggest picnic concert of the year, Tony Hadley fans have only seven days to make sure they don't miss out on the action.

Tickets for what promises to be the hottest gig of the summer next Friday are going fast, with only a week left before Spandau Ballet's former frontman takes to the stage at Somerleyton Hall, near Lowestoft.

Hall owner Hugh Crossley said: “There's a real buzz about the place. Preparations are well under way to make sure this is the picnic concert of the year.”

It might be 20 years since Tony's amazing vocals, dubbed the voice of a generation, got teenagers dancing to hits like Gold and True, but now Tony is cool all over again.

This time he's bringing his much-loved big band sound to the county with a 17-piece Sinatra style band including a brass section.

He said: "I'll do some songs from my latest album, Passing Strangers, and throw in the Spandau classics, with a new arrangement. As I've got a great brass section, I want to use it as much as possible so expect a real party atmosphere."

Recently Tony's profile has been on the up. He won the hit TV show, Reborn in the USA, took part in Celebrity Masterchef and performed for Children in Need.

For three months last year, he played crooked lawyer Billy Flynn in the musical Chicago and received good reviews.

But, despite Tony's varied talents and enduring career there's only one question on many people's lips.

Will he be wearing the frilly shirts and dandy jackets that were the trademark of the New Romantic fashionistas?

The 48-year-old said: "I do believe in growing old disgracefully but I draw the line at the dodgy fashions of the 80s. These daysI prefer a classic suit."

Aside from the fashion, Tony is a real-ale fan and Hadley's Gold, a light beer produced by the Red Rat Craft Brewery at Bury St Edmunds, will be on sale at the Somerleyton gig with 20p from every pint going to the charity Help for Heroes raising money for the rehabilitation of those wounded in war.

Thrilled Hugh Crossley is also looking forward to the concert. He said: "Bring a picnic and a blanket for what promises to be one of the best concerts we've ever hosted. We're thrilled Tony has chosen to appear here. Anyone who enjoyed last year's Jools Holland concert, will love this even more!"

Swinging True: The Big Band Tour comes to Somerleyton Hall, between Yarmouth and Lowestoft, on Friday, August 15. Tickets are £27.50, with reductions for children. Gates open at 6.30pm. Telephone 01603 630000 for tickets or see www.somerleyton.co.uk for more details.

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