MALDON’S Promenade Park has played host to runs, celebrations and the world famous Maldon Mud Race.

But up until the early 2000s, before the Splash Park and crazy golf, one of its biggest draws was the Maldon Prom Fantasia.

The event, which drew crowds of up to 10,000 revellers, had something for everyone regardless of age of interests.

Young and old gathered to hear live music from much loved pop acts from the 60s, 70s and 80s for a festival in the park that wowed the performers just as much as their spectators.

After performing the Fantasia in 1998 Davey Freyer, of Tremeloes and Harvey Hinsley, of Hot Chocolate, paid tribute to the unique atmosphere provided at Promenade Park.

Mr Freyer said: “We are very pleased to have played here tonight and happy to play to such a lovely crowd.

“We hope the music got across the lake to the crowd.”

Mr Hinsley added: “It is great to be here and it is a really nice pretty venue.

“It is such a lovely place to be able to play.”

The High Street often turned into a no go area ahead of the Fantasia, as cars gave way to crowds of people basking in sunshine and heading down to the park ready to catch the music and the other entertainment on offer.

Children were able to take part in a range of activities ahead of the music, with face-painting, treasure hunts and poster-making often on offer to keep the youngsters entertained.

It was no wonder the Fantasia remained extremely popular with residents up until it was cancelled in the early 2000s, The two day party atmosphere created at 1998’s event saw a capacity crowd of 10,000 line the banks across the lake from the stage with Essex DJ Dave Monk getting the crowd in the mood with a series of Mexican waves ahead of the main event.

In 1999, around 7,000 people packed out the park to step back in time, enjoying a weekend of 80s music which included hits from The Rubettes and Lee John and Imagination.

While 2000 saw Showaddywaddy take centre stage on a weekend where light rain hit the Fantasia, but failed to dampen anybody’s spirits as they sang and danced through the weather conditions, and into the Last Night of the Proms concert which was the musical finale to that year’s show.

Both evenings were rounded off with a Son et Lumiere light shows, which used lasers, fireworks, dancers, film, actors and the water to amaze the crowd.