The 1980s gave us some of the most colourful, fun and danceable pop music ever made. An 80s party is a brilliant theme for milestone birthdays, office parties and fundraisers, and the right tribute act turns a fancy-dress party into a full-blown concert.
Here's how to plan an 80s party with the right entertainment.
Choosing your 80s tribute
The 80s produced a huge range of stars, and there's a tribute to suit every crowd.
Pop queens
- Madonna – A Madonna tribute brings Like a Virgin, Material Girl and Holiday, plus the iconic outfits.
- Cyndi Lauper – A Cyndi Lauper tribute delivers Girls Just Want to Have Fun and Time After Time.
- Blondie – A Blondie tribute covers the late-70s and early-80s classics.
Pop and soul icons
- George Michael – A George Michael tribute spans Wham! party hits and solo classics.
- Michael Jackson – A Michael Jackson tribute brings Thriller, Billie Jean and the moonwalk.
- Prince – A Prince tribute for Purple Rain and Kiss.
New Romantics and art rock
- Boy George – A Boy George tribute for Culture Club's hits.
- David Bowie – A Bowie tribute covers decades of hits, including his 80s pop era.
See all our 80s tribute acts.
Who is the party for?
An 80s theme works particularly well for 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays, because the music connects with guests who grew up in or around the decade. See our 40th birthday and 50th birthday pages for ideas.
Dress code
80s fancy dress is easy and fun:
- Neon, leg warmers and big hair
- Shoulder pads and power suits
- New Romantic frills
- Band T-shirts and denim jackets
- Famous characters: Madonna, Michael Jackson, Adam Ant
Decorations and details
- Neon colours and glow sticks
- Cassette tapes and vinyl as table decorations
- A Rubik's cube on each table
- An 80s-themed photo booth – our magic mirror works well
Music before and after
Brief your DJ for a full 80s playlist. Classic floor-fillers include Don't You Want Me, Come On Eileen, Take On Me, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Girls Just Want to Have Fun.
Combining acts
For a bigger party, consider two tributes from the same decade, such as Madonna and George Michael, or a tribute followed by an 80s band set.
Planning the running order
An 80s party has a natural shape. Start with a DJ playing early-80s synth-pop while guests arrive and get their first drink – Human League, Soft Cell, Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet all set the scene without demanding attention. Serve food early, so the room is cleared and ready by the time the tribute act starts.
Most tributes perform two sets. Put the more familiar, upbeat songs in the first set to get people on their feet, and save the biggest anthems and any audience participation for the second. Speeches, the cake and any fancy-dress awards fit neatly into the break between sets. Finish with the DJ again so the dance floor doesn't empty the moment the act takes a bow.
Matching the act to the room
Think about the size of your space before you choose. A solo tribute such as Madonna, Cyndi Lauper or Boy George, working to backing tracks with a compact PA, suits a function room, cricket club or pub back room. A dance-heavy show such as Michael Jackson needs a bit more floor space for the routines, and the performer will appreciate a smooth surface rather than carpet.
If your venue has a sound limiter, tell us when you enquire. Backing-track shows are easier to run at controlled volumes than live bands, which is one reason solo tributes are so popular for private parties.
Fancy-dress competitions
Fancy dress gets people talking from the moment they arrive. A few simple categories keep it fun: best Madonna, best New Romantic, best neon outfit and best couple. Ask the tribute act to help judge or hand out the prizes – most are happy to, and it gives a great photo opportunity.
Getting the age mix right
Not everyone at an 80s party will have been there the first time. Younger guests often know the big songs from films, TV and streaming playlists, so the hits still land. If you have a wide age range, lean towards the artists with the most crossover appeal, such as Michael Jackson, Madonna and George Michael, rather than deeper cuts.
A sample timeline
- Arrival drinks with an 80s DJ playlist
- Food and fancy-dress mingling
- First tribute set: upbeat hits
- Cake, speeches and costume prizes
- Second set: the big anthems and singalongs
- DJ to finish
80s food and drink
Bring back retro party food: cheese and pineapple on sticks, vol-au-vents, prawn cocktail and Black Forest gateau. Name the cocktails after 80s hits for a fun touch.
Quick answers
Which 80s tribute suits the widest audience?
Michael Jackson, Madonna and George Michael have the broadest appeal across ages.
Are there any hidden booking fees?
No Hidden Booking Fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. No additional agency booking fees or unexpected charges. We usually ask for a deposit to secure the date, and everything is confirmed in writing before your event.
Can I check if an act is free before I enquire?
Yes. Most act profiles have a live date checker, and Check your date shows who is available across our roster. Diaries change quickly in busy periods, so we always confirm availability when you enquire.
Booking tips
- Choose the artist your guests love most
- Check the act's set list includes the hits
- Confirm space for costume changes
- Book early for popular dates
Browse our 80s tribute acts or request a free quote.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
