Live Review: Lytham Festival 28/06/23-02/07/23

This year, Lytham Festival has lined up a stellar list of artists for the annual 5-day festival featuring a myriad of music genres ensuring there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Originating in 2009, historically the festival was more of a classical music event however over the years it has evolved and diversified incorporating genres such as rock, pop and indie.

Taking place at Lytham Green with the Lytham Windmill providing a picturesque backdrop, the festival has a capacity of 20,000 per night with special permission this year to increase to 22,500 for two of the scheduled days as a pilot test for hopefully increased admission next year across the entire festival run. 

Offering a relatively sprawling site for the number of people in attendance, there is a plethora of food options available and excellent staffing numbers to ensure that everything runs smoothly from general admission through to facilities. Nothing feels crammed or too busy and waiting times are generally low creating a super chill festival atmosphere with areas to the far right and left providing ample space to just sit, relax and take in the music without being in the thick of the crowd in front of the stage.

Soul band Stone Foundation are the opening act for the first day of the festival fresh off the back of a recent tour supporting Madness. The band have collaborated with renowned musicians such as Nolan Porter, Paul Weller and Bettye LaVette to name but a few, establishing a solid reputation in the soul and R&B music scene.

Fun Lovin Criminals are next up with their own eclectic mix of style including rock, hip hop, jazz, funk and blues creating a distinctive sound that incorporates witty and humorous lyrics. Debut single ‘Scooby Snacks’, released way back when in 1996, is the clear standout track of the set.

There’s an explosion of colour and sequins as Jake Shears takes to stage with his band, dressed in a very fetching tracksuit clutching a trophy. The setlist features his own tracks from recent album ‘Last Man Dancing’ and few classics from Scissor Sisters including crowd pleaser ‘Take Your Mama’ remixed with George Michael’s ‘Freedom’ and ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’. As the tracks continue, Jake peels off the clothing layers, ultimately ending the set in a rather fetching belted red lycra one piece leaving very little to the imagination! All of the band bring that something special to create a memorable performance with Ms Amber Martin providing fantastic vocal support, adding a true disco belting voice with energetic dance moves that really make the crowd want to get up and dance – even those who are more self-conscious are not averse to quite a bit of head-bopping. Finishing on the rousing ‘Filthy/Gorgeous’, Jake is clearly thrilled with the crowds response, declaring it the largest crowd he’s played to in a decade.

Headliner Jamiroquai brings the funk and acid to close the day in style with lead singer Jay Kay wearing one of his signature hats featuring a feathered headdress. This year marks the 30th anniversary of debut album ‘Emergency on Planet Earth’ and the Lytham show offers a welcome home for Jay Kay with him being born locally in Blackburn. Following on from the disco fest that was Jake Shears, Jamiroquai also brings the party in the form of ‘Little L’ and ‘Space Cowboy’ which sees the crowd show their appreciation. Disco balls feature heavily on the backdrop and see the festival ground turned into a disco itself. Jay Kay jokes that he is only 7 years away from claiming a bus pass, but to anyone in the crowd this is almost unbelievable such is the performance he brings tonight. ‘Cosmic Girl’ and ‘Virtual Insanity’ close the first opening night at this year’s festival, and with such a party atmosphere sets the tone for a great 5 day event.

The second day sees a change in pace and a much more indie vibe going on with Limerick based 3-piece Kingfishr having the opening spot tonight. This band are relative newbies having got their big break last year with debut single ‘flowers-fire’ released in April 2022 and the band have seen their stock rise in quick-fire fashion with a full tour support with tonight’s headliner George Ezra alongside a support slot with Dermot Kennedy thrown in for good measure too. The indie folk band describe themselves as a mix of U2 and Mumford and Sons and singer Edmund ‘Eddie’ Keogh shows his capabilities of growing into a showman role as he jumps down off stage and immerses himself in the crowd playing his harmonica during ‘Shot in the dark’.

Continuing the indie vibe is the London all female band The Big Moon who bring their excellent chemistry and distinctive indie rock sounds. Whilst their genre is primarily described as indie rock, there’s definitely a lean into a more pop sound with some catchy hooks and sing along harmonies.

Written by Backseat Mafia