Colourful controversial pop chameleon Boy George is headlining a 1980s party in the grounds of a Norfolk stately home next summer.The former Culture Club singer leads a nine-act show at Blickling Hall which builds on a good-time recipe first baked for the venue's 10th anniversary in 2007, and which is being kept going through popular demand.

Colourful controversial pop chameleon Boy George is headlining a 1980s party in the grounds of a Norfolk stately home next summer.

The former Culture Club singer leads a nine-act show at Blickling Hall which builds on a good-time recipe first baked for the venue's 10th anniversary in 2007, and which is being kept going through popular demand.

The 46-year-old, whose real name is George O'Dowd, is currently involved in a high profile court case involving a male escort at his Shoreditch home in London, and denies a charge of false imprisonment.

But event promoter David Heartfield said George had a national tour planned for next year along with other concert commitments and was expected to fulfil them.

George has had a colourful career ever since he erupted on to the pop scene as a teenager with Do You Really Want To Hurt Me in September 1982, dressed in extravagant clothes and make-up.

His sexuality, heroin addiction, solo success, autobiographical musical, own designer clothing label and current court case have kept him in the headlines.

He is joined for the July 18 concert, supported by the EDP and with a firework finale, by a string of other well-known 80s acts.

They, and some of their hits, are:

ABC - Poison Arrow, When Smokey Sings

Go West - We Close Our Eyes, Call Me

Kid Creole and the Coconuts -, Stool Pigeon, Annie I'm Not Your Daddy

Bananarama - Venus, Really Saying Something

The Three Degrees - When Will I See You Again, Woman in Love

Cutting Crew - I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight

Hazel O'Connor - Eighth Day

Visage - Fade to Grey

The third year of party-style shows was proving popular said Mr Heartfield. “There is a great atmosphere, lots of artists. Everybody enjoys it and people are dressing up in their 80s gear.”

He was confident it would again be popular despite the state of the economy, adding: “Just look at the 1920s and 30s. In times of hardship people enjoy their big nights out for some light relief and escapism.”

Ticket prices, pegged for the past two years, are £37.50 and go on sale from 9am tomorrow , at EDP offices in Cromer and Yarmouth; Blickling Hall box office 0844 800 4308 or www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events or the credit card hotline 0871 424 4444, www.ticketline.co.uk