Tony Hadley rose to international fame as the lead singer of the new wave group, delivering iconic hits including True, Gold and Through The Barricades.

The 65-year-old is renowned for his powerful, expressive vocals and has enjoyed a successful solo career since leaving the band, whilst also pursuing stage work and radio presenting.

He recently joined the push to save The Rose & Thistle in Haddenham near Thame, over the Oxfordshire border in Buckinghamshire.

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Villagers are aiming to reopen the historic coaching inn, which dates back to the 18th century, but closed in 2019.

Mr Hadley has urged people to buy shares to back the crowdfunding campaign and said: “It’s a fantastic little pub – I have been there many times in the past.

“We have to preserve our village and small town pubs.”

Now, the singer has shared a heartfelt message to his fans whilst speaking with the Oxford Mail’s sister paper, the Worcester News.

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This comes ahead of his performance at Upton’s Sunshine Festival in Upton, which will take place on Sunday, August 30.

“Myself and the fabulous TH Band will be playing at the Sunshine Festival – the sun will be shining – It will be a beautiful day.

“There are so many great acts on. It is going to be absolutely fabulous.

“I am looking forward to the backstage, which is going to be fantastic, but getting on stage and playing to you guys is going to be brilliant.”

A packed programme of celebrations, including live performances, wellbeing sessions, giveaways and special promotions from retailers across the outlet, took place from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19.

Popular local favourites Go Vocal Choir delighted crowds with live performances, while Sweaty Betty hosted a special Pilates class and Weird Fish treated shoppers to complimentary cupcakes, fizz and exclusive discounts.

The celebrations reached their peak over the final weekend when the outlet came alive with live music, roaming performers, prizes and family entertainment.

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The Tippled Fox Bar added to the party atmosphere by serving cocktails, prosecco, beers and soft drinks.

A special birthday initiative also proved popular, with people celebrating birthdays during the same week as the outlet collecting a commemorative birthday gift.

Since opening on July 16 2025, Cotswolds Designer Outlet has welcomed millions of visitors and become a popular destination for shopping, dining and days out.

Alongside more than 50 leading fashion, lifestyle and homeware brands, visitors can enjoy cafés, restaurants and a growing selection of local independent businesses including KNEAD Bakery and The Patisserie Box.

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The outlet has also become an important part of the local community by hosting free family events throughout the year and supporting organisations including Tewkesbury Abbey, The Roses Theatre, the Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards and the SoGlos Lifestyle and Community Awards.

Adrian Field, Centre Manager at Cotswolds Designer Outlet, said: “What an incredible way to celebrate our first birthday.

“It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces throughout the week and to watch families, friends and visitors enjoying everything our retailers had planned.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came along to celebrate with us and to all of our retailers and partners who helped make the week so memorable.”

The road, which is a key access route into the city, closed in April 2023 for £237 million railway bridge works to upgrade Oxford Station and was set to reopen next month.

Now, Network Rail has confirmed a further four – six-week delay for reopening.

The road has been shut off to traffic for almost three years and three months – it was initially supposed to close for 12 months. 

Oxford West and Abingdon MP, Layla Moran (Lib Dem) says she has written a “furious letter” to the Transport Secretary demanding answers and requesting an urgent meeting. 

She said: “Weeks more delay is calamitous and catastrophic for local residents and businesses. Time and again we have seen the goalposts move and promises broken.

“I am demanding a full explanation from the Secretary of State as to why these issues were not identified earlier, when those responsible first became aware of them, and why assurances about reopening have once again proven unreliable.

(Image: Oxford Mail)

“I already had serious questions about oversight, project management, risk identification and accountability.

“This latest delay only makes me more determined to get answers for long-suffering residents.”

The Liberal Democrat MP has continuously pushed both Network Rail and the Government to “get a grip” of the project previously.

She said that at every monthly progress meeting previously, Ms Moran was assured that all milestones had been hit and that the project was on track to open in August. 

Oxford East MP, Anneliese Dodds (Labour), said: “The news that the Botley Road reopening is yet again delayed will come as a bitter blow for local residents and businesses.

“It is particularly galling as every milestone had been hit by the project since January last year.

“It’s right they’ve been upfront about the unexpected gas main problem today.

“However, the daily impact on local peoples’ lives caused by the delays, even when unavoidable, has been dreadful.

“I will keep pushing for this project to be finished as speedily as possible.”

Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, spoke out on the delayed reopening of Botley Road announced on Wednesday, July 22. (Image: Anneliese Dodds (Facebook))

Oxford East MP, Anneliese Dodds (Labour), added: “The news that the Botley Road reopening is yet again delayed will come as a bitter blow for local residents and businesses.

“It is particularly galling as every milestone had been hit by the project since January last year.

“It’s right they’ve been upfront about the unexpected gas main problem today.

“However, the daily impact on local peoples’ lives caused by the delays, even when unavoidable, has been dreadful.

“I will keep pushing for this project to be finished as speedily as possible.”

The county council also had assurances, and last month it announced traffic filters were set to go ahead on September 14 – this policy was dependent on the reopening of the Botley Road, and the delay throws the start date for that scheme and the end of the congestion charge into the lurch.

Reopened Botley Road pathway (Image: Isabella Harris)

In its delay announcement, Network Rail explained that during excavation work relating to drainage for the new road, three minor gas leaks were identified on part of the gas network, owned by Southern Gas Networks (SGN).

SGN will now have to make repairs to the gas supply, delaying the finishing of the road.

Network Rail Great Western Route’s capital delivery director, Tim Walden, said: “We know this news will be deeply disappointing for residents, businesses and everyone who relies on Botley Road, and we’re very sorry for the continued disruption and uncertainty this will cause.

“Our teams, across SGN and Network Rail, are working as hard as possible to complete the remaining work and minimise delays, while keeping the community informed with regular updates.

“We expect the additional work to take around four to six weeks and are currently working on a plan so we can confirm the timings as quickly as possible.”

Botley Road area residents were informed of the delayed reopening decision tonight (Wednesday, July 22) at a community meeting on the Osney Mead Industrial Estate.

Network Rail was contacted for comment.