New concert series hailed a hit

The organisers behind a Peterborough music festival have vowed to bring it back next year and hailed it a success.

That’s despite one day having to be cancelled after James Dean-Bradfield, the lead singer of the headlining Manic Street Preachers, tested positive for COVID-19.

But organisers said Friday’s Café Mambo event and the performances by Simply Red and Lisa Stansfield on Saturday were a huge hit.

Café Mambo Ibiza Classics saw highlight sets from Paul Oakenfold, Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry and Judge Jules, plus live PAs from Julie Mcknight and Sonique, each bringing their massive tunes that have provided the soundtrack to generations of Ibiza adventures.

On Saturday, saxophonist and singer YolanDa Brown wowed crowds with her incredible talents before soulful dance diva Stansfield got the crowd up on their feet.

Simply Red’s set was littered danceable fan favourites including ‘Fairground’ and ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention’, to emotive ballads that had the whole crowd singing in unison, including ‘Holding Back The Years’ and the closing track ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’.

Mark Harrison, promoter of LPH Concerts, said: “What a fantastic weekend of music it’s been. We are so thrilled to have staged two incredible concerts here in Peterborough and to have received such positive feedback.

“We’d like to thank all of the staff and crew who made it happen, the artists, to Peterborough Council for their support, and to each and every person who bought a ticket – we couldn’t have done it without you.

“We were blessed with beautiful sunshine, which made it all the more special to see so many smiling faces enjoying the first outdoor concerts to be held here since the pandemic.

“We hope to come back next year and do it all again.”

Organisers LPH Concerts said it was “devastated” the Sunday night with the Manics had to be cancelled following a positive COVID-19 case.

A spokesman said: “The band were due to play the riverside venue for the first time as part of their summer shows this year and hope to reschedule for as soon as possible.”