Search for the kissing couple continues as Crystal Palace Park gets ready to revive its iconic stage

The search is on for a kissing couple as Crystal Palace Park gets ready to revive its iconic concert stage.

Festival organisers are appealing to South London Press readers in a bid to identify the mysterious couple photographed in the 1970s.

The couple, captured by Croydon photographer Frazer Ashford, attended the Crystal Palace Garden Party, headlined by Rick Wakeman, in July 1974.

Oliver Marshall, creative lead at the Crystal Palace Bowl project, said: “Looking back at the history of the Crystal Palace Bowl, there are so many amazing photos of the festivals and concerts that took place here over the past 50 years.

“But beyond the artists on stage, it’s just as interesting to look at images of the crowd and observe the changing fashions, hairstyles and hemlines of the day.

“One particular picture that has always stood out is the iconic ‘Kissing Couple’ shot, taken by photographer Frazer Ashford.

“It’s only a moment in time, but captures something special about our enduring love of festivals: summer sun, shared experiences and the chance of romance.

“We’ve always wondered what the story was behind the photo and now, with your help, we’re hoping to find out.

“How amazing it would be if we can identify this cool couple…and see if they’re still together so many years later.”

In its 60-year history, the Crystal Palace Bowl has played host to some of the world’s most acclaimed artists – Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Elton John, the London Symphony Orchestra, The Cure, Curtis Mayfield and The Sex Pistols.

The iconic stage will be revived this month as it plays host to the South Facing Festival, running from August 5 – 29.

The festival will hold an open air concert series featuring 11 headline genre-spanning music performances including Dizzee Rascal & The Outlook Orchestra, the English National Opera (ENO) performing a concert of Tosca, Max Richter, Supergrass and The Streets.

There will also be free events held throughout the month, including film screenings, workshops, live music and food stalls.

South Facing Festival Director, Marcus Weedon, said: “After what’s been an extremely difficult 12 months for the live music industry, we can’t wait to put on a fantastic series of events that people can really get excited about.

“Not only do we have some amazing artists who are itching to put on a great show, we also have the privilege of being able to stage the festival at an iconic and important outdoor London venue, which has sadly been dormant in recent years.

“We’re all working incredibly hard to make sure South Facing is a fitting return to glory for the Crystal Palace Bowl.”

For more information and tickets visit https://southfacingfestival.com