Perhaps because Southampton is a student City with two Universities and a few colleges, that there is so much going on for young people in my home town. So, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em — We oldies end up going to raves, where we are considered “cute”. We can boogie-down to all the revivals from the 40s to the 90s — we can do the dances and these youngsters want us to teach them. “Ahh! I hope I am like you when I am old” they often say, as they ask if they can be my friend on Facebook? And selfie me.
The first (of hopefully many) Bestival Common People Festival, took place on Southampton Common in May this year. The two stars that drew the biggest crowds were “getting on” a bit to say the least: Fatboy Slim (pictured above and left) must be one of England’s best-known disc jockeys. He started out with the Ibiza sound in the 1970s and thirty years later he is still going strong at aged 51. Then there is 67 year-old Grace Jones. Appearing naked except for a basque and thong but with quite a bit of body paint. She could still walk on the catwal
k in high heels and look like any supermodel. Sometimes she wore a body stocking. Her usual party piece is doing a 15 minute extended version of one of her songs while she hoopla-hoops. I have seen her do this with Pavarotti and for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. 
She changed her costume for each number and had the energy of a zebra (which one of her costumes resembled. See left). The crowd loved them – Just as they loved Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and Tony Benn at Glastonbury. Some of the young crowd assumed that we too must be ancient stars, being elderly, and my husband was asked for his autograph. Bob Dylan is playing here in the autumn and to quote his lyrics: “May you stay, forever young”.
Here is also a popular YouTube video of an old lady (not me but it easily could be) dancing in a Southampton nightclub: https://youtu.be/DlQvyD6ck8k
SNIPS & SNAPS 
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I’d never heard of a Senior Citizens Rave party before! Lol. I think that’s wonderful and fun. You seemed familiar with all the artists performing, as well.
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The title is misleading, the party was not for senior citizens, my husband and I were the only ones raving amongst thousands of young people.
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Wow – what a stunning photo of Grace Jones – and fantastic outfit. I now realise what I have missed in my absence. You put me to shame and you are so knowledgeable about absolutely everything! I wish I had been at the rave with you (just returned from salsa class the evening and am now unwinding after shakin’ my booty for 3 hours!)
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I love Salsa!
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