ONE of the largest indoor gatherings in decades took place at the town’s Plaza last Friday (August 12) as 80s legends Heaven 17 took to the stage.

More than 800 people turned up to the gig, which was being held to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Care Unit at Leighton Hospital.

The electro synthpop legends were the first of what is hoped to be many acts to play in front of large crowds at the former cinema after it was given permission to increase its capacity.

Northwich Radio’s John Thompson, who was one of the organisers of the event said the evening had proved to be a major success.

“An audience in excess of 800 people was possibly the largest audience for a single night indoor event since the days of the Beatles visiting town in the 1960's,” he said.

“Glenn Gregory and Martyn Ware were clearly amazed with the venue and vowed to return next year. 

“Glenn also took time out of their hectic schedule to visit the Radio Northwich studio in Barons Quay. 

“The audience also witnessed outstanding performances by Knutsford based UNE featuring Paul Langley and radio legend Mark Radcliffe and Electromantics who provided an outstanding series of classic 80's electronic covers. “

The feast of live music wasn’t purely for entertainment purposes however, with funds being raised for hugely important Breast Cancer Care Unit.

Radio Northwich co-owner Kim Smith received care from the unit when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019.

She added: "We are absolutely delighted that Heaven 17 fitted in a concert in Northwich for this deserving cause, despite their hectic touring schedule. 

“We are trying to raise £50,000 through the Simply The Breast charity and the money raised from the concert will be a big step towards achieving the target.

“We aim to use the Plaza for other events in the future. 

“It’s a formidable building and we feel it should feature as a main concert venue for the area.”