Pete Waterman's 'Hit Factory' returns for London event

Pete Waterman with Steps (left to right) Faye Tozer, Ian "H" Watkins, Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards (top) and Lisa Scott-Lee
Pete Waterman (top centre) with Steps Faye Tozer, Ian "H" Watkins, Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards (top) and Lisa Scott-Lee Photo: PA

Rick Astley, Steps and Jason Donovan will play in Hyde Park on July 11 in an event celebrating the 'Hit Factory' that was Stock Aitken & Waterman.

Producer Pete Waterman, along with his team of Mike Stock and Matt Aitken, were responsible for launching the careers of dozens of pop stars back in the eighties.

Pete Waterman and Sinitta
Pete Waterman and Sinitta Credit: PA

It is said to be the first time so many acts from the hit stable have come together on the same bill and Waterman said:

I've been saying no for years to a Hit Factory concert but now, 25 years on, the timing feels right. It's time to celebrate the hit single and we have a tremendous line-up of our classic artists confirmed to play Hit Factory Live in Hyde Park on July 11. More surprises will be announced over the coming months - it's set to be the biggest and best ever celebration of SAW and PWL.

Jason Donovan in 1991
Jason Donovan in 1991 Credit: PA

Their very first hit was Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Round", and Pete Burns and his band are performing in a line-up that also includes;

  • Bananarama
  • Pepsi & Shirlie
  • Sinitta
  • Hazell Dean
  • Sonia
  • 2 Unlimited
  • Brother Beyond
Rick Astley will return to sing as part of the Hit Factory reunion
Rick Astley will return to sing as part of the Hit Factory reunion Credit: Ian West/PA Wire

Some of the proceeds of the event will go towards Cancer Research UK.