From pop sensations Steps to soul legend Billy Ocean, the Rochester Castle Concerts have gone old school for 2012

Cheesy dance routines and catchy songs made Steps the sugar-pop act of the 1990s, before their split a little more than 10 year ago.

Their reunion and 2012 UK tour sparked off the same hysteria which met everything they did in their heyday, prompting their Ultimate Collection album to reach No1.

Ever since they wormed their smily-happy jingles into the nation’s skulls with 5.6.7.8. in 1997, they became a global sensation, selling 20m records around the world. When One for Sorrow made it to No2 in the charts in 1998, it set off a chain of 14 consecutive top five singles until they announced their split in 2001.

Their first No1, a cover version of the Bee Gees hit Tragedy paired with original track Heartbeat, sold more than a million copies and stayed in the charts for 30 consecutive weeks.

Fans of Faye Tozer, Ian “H” Watkins, Lisa Scott-Lee, Lee Latchford Evans and Claire Richards loved them just as much for their signature dance moves. The group arrive on the Kent stage on Thursday, July 19 as part of the Rochester Castle Concerts.

Their show is the third in a weekend of music, featuring Jools Holland, Billy Ocean, Alexander O’Neal and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra kick off proceedings on Wednesday, July 18, joined by a stellar line up of special guests.

Soul star Ruby Turner sings guest vocals with Louise Marshall and former Squeeze drummer Gilson Lavis will be on the sticks.

Also performing will be Roland Gift, best known for 1989 hit singles She Drives Me Crazy and Good Thing with the Fine Young Cannibals.

The next evening is the Soul Party starring powerhouse singers Billy Ocean and Alexander O’Neal. Billy recently played a well-received set at the Hop Farm Music Festival, with hits like Love Really Hurts Without You, When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going, Caribbean Queen and Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car.

Billy has sold more than 30 million records across the globe and is joined by another soul giant, Alexander O’Neal, who is responsible for tunes like Saturday Love, If You Were Here Tonight, A Broken Heart Can Mend, Fake and Criticise.

Their concert has already sold out but if returns are unavailable, there is always the Castle Proms finale on Saturday, July 21, merging picnics and classical favourites for a rousing evening of champagne and fireworks.

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra tickets £35. Steps tickets £35. Soul Party tickets £30. Castle Proms tickets £30. More information from the box office on 01634 338338