Review: Chester Rocks with Taio Cruz, The Wanted, Sugababes and The Saturdays

When: Saturday July 2nd

Reviewed by: Chris White

Last weekend saw the launch of the new two day musical extravaganza Chester Rocks, held at the prestigious Chester Racecourse. Catering for fans of all music, Saturday showcased the best in UK pop while Sunday rolled out some cracking rock and dance acts. Skiddle headed down on the Saturday to see what all the fuss was about.

The weather could not have been better, blue skies, a light breeze and the occasional cloud to provide some much needed respite from the rays. Chester Racecourse is a mightily impressive venue; ornate old fashioned watch buildings look down onto the perfectly green racecourse. A refreshment village greets you on entering, with a selection of bars and food stands providing essential delicacies such as... fish and chips, beer, and champagne. The staff were friendly and the produce well priced, a good start to the day.

The main ‘arena’ comprised of a pretty huge stage, a large grass viewing space, with plentiful portaloos (all of an impeccable standard) and a selection of pretty thrilling fairground rides around the stage. The crowd was hugely varied; families enjoying a summer’s day out with blankets and picnics, younger pop fans waving their Heart FM flags and ‘We Love...’ posters enthusiastically, glamorous young guys and gals soaking up the party atmosphere. The whole day had a great vibe, very relaxed and family orientated with enough entertainment and space for the older crowd to hang out and have some fun.

First of the big pop acts was Eliza Doolittle at around half past three, who gave a confident and distinctly summery performance, a great start to the music.

Sugababes came on next (my personal favourites!), with a set of their greatest hits, new and old. The crowd lapped it up, and the ladies put on a fantastic show with boundless energy and some killer vocals.

The Saturdays followed, and I have to say, they were excellent. Complex dance routines, saucy outfits, and a perfect selection of up-tempo pop hits.

The Wanted drove the crowds literally wild with an energetic performance, and McFly blew us all away with pyros, fireworks and confetti cannons.

Taio Cruz rounded things off nicely with strong vocals, huge bass lines and all the electro bleeps of his biggest hits. The sound system was excellent, loud and clear, and videos shot from each side of the stage then displayed on a huge screen behind the acts, ensured the whole crowd got to see to the action up close.

A really fantastic day, helped undoubtedly by the glorious weather, the first Chester Rocks was in our view a huge success. A wonderful atmosphere, well priced tickets and refreshments, a truly impressive line-up of pop stars, and enough space to relax on the grass or go crazy to your favourite acts at the front of the stage. We will most definitely be returning.

Tickets are no longer available for this event