FEELS LIKE SUMMER | LIVE REVIEW
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Sat 20 July
Orchard Live know how to put on a good event, and their Feels Like Summer shindig had all the correct ticks in party music lovers’ boxes, had there been an A4 sheet of paper with such options on it. And then we also had Mr Motivator. Blast from the past, indeed and the crowd lapped him up, although not many laps were made by those taking part – it was all in fun! Many attendees were in retro wear, and the atmosphere was very family-friendly with many young children in attendance too, making this the proverbial good old family day out.
A few support acts were leading up to headliners Bananarama [top]: these were Liberty X (minus the two guys) [below] just before Bonnie Tyler [above]. The former sang the songs we know them for, and did a grand job of getting the crowd dancing but, for me, Welsh legend Tyler seemed to ignite the party atmosphere to the hilt, an ideal precursor to the act that was Bananarama.
When it was time for them to appear, then the roof would have been blown off, had there been one. The classics were all there – firm favourites such as Robert De Niro’s Waiting, I Heard A Rumour, Cruel Summer and Nathan Jones – along with more recent releases, including selections from this year’s new album.
Both Keren and Sara have known each other since they were three or four years old, and you can tell by watching the natural connection between them. They didn’t miss a beat – not that you would expect anything less from such experienced performers, but when they did connect with the crowd when talking between songs, said crowd loved them for it.
Feels Like Summer was a resounding success, although if there was one thing missing it was some kind of compère or master of ceremonies to announce what act was due up. Nevertheless, a day out to remember – can’t wait to see what acts are lined up for next year.
words CARL MARSH photos KEVIN PICK