expressandstar.com

They are the Black Country band that launched a thousand Christmas celebrations.

And although it has been three decades since their heyday, Slade still proved they’ve got the star power at an annual celebration of the group in Bilston.

Sladefest 2008, at the Robin 2, saw fans from far and wide gather to reminisce about the days of platform shoes, mirror hats, and general crazeeness.

Die-hard fans took part in a Slade-themed quiz and rocked along to classic tracks performed by tribute band Flamin’ Slade.

Among the more unusual guests was Paul Cookson, aged 46, who was described as Slade’s “poet laureate” by frontman Noddy Holder.

Mr Cookson said: “They were one of those bands where everybody knew all the members because they all had individual characters.”

He compiled his book, Touched by the hand of Nod, after being invited to the first Sladefest in 2006, which marked the 40th anniversary of the group.

“There’s poems about each of the band, about the songs and growing up as a Slade fan. Cum on Feel the Noize was the first one I really liked.

“You write about things you’re interested in and things that you know about, rather than writing about flowers or daffodils.”

Mark Lion, aged 47, grew up in New Zealand but moved to the UK five years ago and now lives in Bracknell, Berkshire.

“I always liked them ever since I was 15 and I saw them on Les Dawson.

“I thought they were totally amazing. I’d never seen anything like it before, with the glam and the clothes and I bought their next single, Thanks for the Memory.

Decorator Ian Urquhart, aged 47, a decorator from Hampshire, was all glammed up in a grey wig and purple jacket with his pals for yesterday’s bash.

“I was an original glam rocker in the 1970s, but now I probably wouldn’t get into the clothes I had in the 1970s,” he said.

“I was brought up on this music. My son’s 21 and he loves it.

“It’s just got the stomping sound and hand clapping. It’s not heavy metal, it’s good rock.”

Sladefest started at midday yesterday and ran until 11 o’clock last night.