THE music and fashion styles of the 1980s are set to make a popular return to the dancefloor at a special charity event in Lowestoft.

Hundreds of people are set to flock to Pontins in Pakefield for the Lowestoft 80s Fest – a night of nostalgia which is raising funds for six charities on March 1.

The glitterball will be shining brightly as the shoulderpads and leg-warmers make a re-appearance as people party to retro music from the likes of 80s icons Madness, Culture Club and Michael Jackson.

The charity night is being organised by Sharon Ashford, who next year will be embarking on a trek in Peru to raise money for Clic Sargent – a leading children's cancer charity – and Motor Neurone disease.

She said: 'I wanted to do something fantastic to mark next year, and decided upon the 2014 action challenge to trek in Peru.

'I have never done anything like this in my life before. At the moment, on (social networking site) Facebook, the 'Lowestoft in the 80s' site has gone mental and now has more than 6,000 members, with people going over their memories and remembering the good times in their lives.

'A lot of people were talking about catching up again, so I got in touch with the founder of the site, Gary Kettless, and asked him if I could do a reunion night, so that people could get together and we could raise money for charity.'

As well as raising money for the two national charities, the fund-raiser on March 1 will benefit local charities as well.

'These are the local hospice, Help an East Coast Child, The Ellie Savage Fund and Owen's Wish to Walk,' Sharon said.

'By organising the reunion we wanted to do it for local charities as well so Lowestoft benefits.'

Popular band More Madness will be performing on the night. And along with a compere, photographer and the original 80s DJ from Hedley House, 'the President' Richard Nixon, who will be on the decks, they have donated their time for free for the evening, which promises to be an event not to be missed.

Already, more than 300 tickets have been sold and with demand high, the event, which runs from 8pm to 1am on March 1, is being billed as 'the best 80s party of the year.'

Sharon said: 'Remember, this is a chance to catch up with old pals and also raise money for both local and national charities – every penny raised will go to charity.'

With a raffle also taking place, some top prizes, including a TV, holiday vouchers, outdoor photo shoot, dinner for two with wine at The Ivy in London and lots more, will be up-for-grabs – and businesses are also being urged to back the fund-raiser by donating prizes for the night.

'So far over 300 tickets have been sold and I would like the full 900 people to be there,' Sharon added.

'It will be a trip back to the 80s. The chance to reminisce and catch up with old school/work friends complete with 80s dress, all 80s music and retro 80s cocktails.

'The tickets are £15 each and Blackwell Printing in Great Yarmouth have kindly printed these. I am hoping to raise more than £10,000 for both national and local charities.'

?Tickets are available from A Piece of Cake in Lowestoft High Street,