Hampton Pool favourites, ABC and Martin Fry, return to the pool in 2026.
ABC have enjoyed a glittering career to date as one of a number of groups who kick-started the Eighties with their own brand of pop for a new decade. On its release in May 1982, their debut album, The Lexicon of Love, entered the UK album chart at number one. A ground-breaking collection of modern love songs, it showcases the hits songs ‘Tears Are Not Enough’, ‘Poison Arrow’, ‘The Look Of Love’ and ‘All Of My Heart’. With majestic production from the legendary Trevor Horn, this platinum-selling album remains a classic to this day and has been voted by many as the best British album of the decade.
Eight further studio albums followed, including 1987’s Alphabet City. Co-produced by Chic’s Bernard Edwards, it featured the worldwide hit ‘When Smokey Sings’ alongside ‘The Night You Murdered Love’ and ‘King Without A Crown’.
In June 2022, ABC celebrated the 40th anniversary of the release of The Lexicon of Love with a sold out UK orchestra tour, performing at Sheffield City Hall on the exact date the album had been released 40 years earlier. Further orchestra tours followed in 2024 and 2025 featuring The ABC band and the 40-piece Southbank Sinfonia, conducted by Academy Award winning musician, arranger and composer, Anne Dudley, who originally orchestrated The Lexicon of Love.
What they said
“Four decades may have passed since ABC’s music first dazzled new ears by the millions, but Fry’s voice and his songs remain full of life. Who wouldn’t love such a joyful trip in the way-back machine?” – Jeff Elbel, The Illinois Entertainer
“ABC’s Martin Fry is a revelation, a soul man supreme, belting out pristine Vegas glitter pop and uptown House in his electric blue longe suit. An ageless performer, Fry is the missing link between Bryan Ferry and Jarvis Cocker” – Stephen Dalton, NME
Charming chamber pop is heading to Hampton Pool, courtesy of Brighton group Barbara.
Inspired by 1970s greats – the Kinks, ABBA, ELO – Barbara make classic, irresistible pop music with a literary approach.
There’s something for everyone in Barbara’s sound: 70s US AM radio, a dash of English music hall, the effortless catchiness of a Broadway musical, a sprinkling of sequinned power pop, luscious Disney strings and glorious golden harmonies.
Barbara have previously toured with Paul Weller, The Divine Comedy, Haircut 100, Kid Creole & the Coconuts and Dean Friedman.
What they said
“Barbara are one of the best groups about. Live they’re great, and their songs too. Clever and melodic. The Babs are fab!” – Paul Weller
“Barbara are wonderful. I love their songs and their humour. We need more Barbara in our lives!” – Chris Difford, Squeeze
Hampton Pool Trust, the not-for-profit charity that owns Hampton Pool on behalf of the community, is committed that this local gem continues to thrive.
With a major refurbishment project now underway, your continuing support will help ensure this. See more information about the Hampton Pool development plans here and you can further support our plans through the Hampton Pool Trust Just Giving fundraising page here.
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