Review: James Arthur, Newmarket Nights
Another warm day at Newmarket’s July Racecourse drew to a close with a little cloud coming in to cool the temperature down for the last couple of races of the afternoon. As I sat in the stands watching the penultimate race, the couple in front of me, were up on their feet as their horse came in first.
Friday night would see the winner of season nine of X factor, James Arthur, to grace the stage for the post race entertainment, now touring his fifth studio album Bitter Sweet Love.
With a front row full of adoring young fans waiting there most of the afternoon, Arthur took to the stage a little late, those same fans soon forgave him as they lost themselves in Bitter Sweet Love, the opening and title track of the new album, which they knew all the lyrics to.
Then he got the rest of the crowd singing along with his X Factor victory single, the fantastic Shontelle cover Impossible.
Arthur played new song Comeback Kid, telling the audience it will getting them jumping, and with a nudge from him they were soon bouncing up and down.
There was a slightly surreal performance of Rewrite The Stars from The Greatest Showman with a backing track for second vocals from Anne-Marie instead of having anyone stand in for her, or even a surprise guest appearance.
The night ended with and encore finishing with a song that must be one of the most popular choices for a first dance at weddings, Say You Won’t Let Go. Which would leave fans not wanting to let go of their memories of tonight’s performance.
Two more Friday nights at Newmarket to come, with Becky Hill set to play to a sold out crowd and Deacon Blue finishing this year’s run the week after.
Review and pictures, Stephen Keable, for Ipswich24 Magazine
