Nocturne Live 2019 - Kylie Minogue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Hackney Colliery Band - Live Review

Kylie Minogue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Hackney Colliery Band Close Nocturne Live 2019 in Style

The Great Court of Blenheim Palace once again opened its gates for the Nocturne Live Concert Series, and what a lineup they delivered for 2019! Now in its fifth year at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this relatively young festival has firmly established itself as a highlight of the Oxfordshire music calendar. With past headliners like Noel Gallagher and Gary Barlow, the team behind Nocturne Live have continued to raise the bar, and this year was no exception. A Venue That Never Fails to Impress

Blenheim Palace, with its majestic architecture and sprawling grounds, provided the perfect setting for the final day of the series. Overlooking the Grand Bridge and the “finest view in England,” concertgoers were treated to an atmosphere of elegance and charm that elevated the entire experience.

The pleasant June weather added to the magic, with the lawns full of people enjoying the abundance of food and drink on offer. From gourmet bites to refreshing beverages, the festival catered to every taste, creating a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere that set the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Day four kicked off with the Hackney Colliery Band, an East London collective celebrating their tenth year of blending brass, funk, and contemporary sounds. Known for their high-profile collaborations, the band worked hard to get the crowd moving, delivering an energetic set that included a bold Nirvana cover and a fitting tribute to Keith Flint with Out of Space.

Their infectious energy and unique sound were the perfect way to start the evening, warming up the audience and setting the tone for what was to come.

Next up was Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who brought her signature disco-pop charm to the stage. Dressed in a bright yellow dress that matched her vibrant energy, Sophie had the crowd singing and dancing along to her hits.

Opening with Wild Forever and Get Over You, she quickly had the audience on their feet, and by the time she closed with the smash hit Murder on the Dancefloor, the Great Court was alive with movement. Sophie’s stunning voice and engaging stage presence primed the crowd perfectly for the evening’s main event.

And then it happened - Kylie Minogue took the stage, and what an entrance it was! The pop icon delivered a full production show that transformed the Great Court into a spectacle of lights, dancers, and larger-than-life props.

With at least four outfit changes throughout the night, Kylie gave the audience everything they could have hoped for and more. Her set was a celebration of her illustrious career, featuring songs from the 80s through to today, including tracks from her forthcoming greatest hits collection.

The crowd was treated to classics like I Should Be So Lucky, Kids, and Can’t Get You Out of My Head, each one met with rapturous applause and singalongs. A costume change signaled the next act, which included Especially For You, Better the Devil You Know, and The Loco-Motion. The latter sparked conga lines down the middle aisles, proving that Kylie knows exactly how to get a crowd moving.

The evening closed with two of her more modern hits, Dancing and Spinning Around, leaving the audience dizzy from dancing and cheering for more. Kylie’s charismatic stage presence, combined with her ability to deliver hit after hit, made this performance nothing short of spectacular.

Special moments included Kylie inviting a young lad and an older gentleman onto the stage, creating memories they’ll surely never forget. With her upcoming legends slot at Glastonbury, it’s safe to say the Pyramid Stage crowd is in for a treat.

The final night of Nocturne Live 2019 was a triumph, showcasing the incredible talent of Hackney Colliery Band, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Kylie Minogue. The combination of a stunning venue, perfect weather, and unforgettable performances made for an evening that will be remembered by all who attended.

As the applause faded and the crowd dispersed, it was clear that Nocturne Live has become a pillar of the Oxfordshire music scene. Fingers crossed for another incredible lineup in 2020 to continue this festival’s legacy. With the team behind Nocturne Live showing no signs of slowing down, the future looks bright for this unique and magical concert series.