Thousands of music fans are expected to pack Party in the Dark to catch a glimpse of chart-

toppers 911 and special pop guests.

The funky threesome, who had Top Ten hits with The Day We Find Love and Bodyshakin', are the first big names to be confirmed at the event which is organised by Southern FM and sponsored by Eastbourne Pier.

The star-studded concert is being staged at the Saffrons sports ground in Eastbourne on October 30 and will be one of the county's biggest outdoor music events.

Southern FM have more big names up their sleeves but are keeping tight-lipped about other headline acts until later in the week.

Organisers hope to cheer up thousands of young pops fans who faced disappointment earlier this year when Radio One missed Eastbourne during its nationwide roadshow tour.

Sally Harrison, 16, of Summerdown Road, Eastbourne, said: "We felt very let down. Eastbourne is full of young people who want to hear new music and go to concerts, but the town is always ignored.

"Now at last Eastbourne has a music event all to itself."

A Radio One spokeswoman reassured fans that the roadshow would be back.

She said: " We'd love to visit every town in the UK while on tour but it is just not possible.

"Because of the eclipse this summer our roadshow route was very unusual which meant our final date was Brighton. But we will be back in Eastbourne."

Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson is thrilled Southern FM has chosen the town to host Party in the Dark and plans to pop along for a boogie.

He said: "I wish the organisers every success and hope it teaches Radio One a lesson."

Party in the Dark will be hosted by Southern FM stars Danny and Nicky. The party will end with a bang as hundreds of pounds of fireworks light up the sky.

A spokeswoman from Southern FM said: "It will be a fantastic night with some of the country's biggest bands."

The party starts at 5.30pm. Tickets at £6 for adults and £2 for children from The Congress Theatre box office, or from a Party hotline, 01323 412000.

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