Nocturne Live 2022 - Simply Red, The Brand New Heavies and Omar - Live Review

The opening night of Nocturne Live 2022 set the bar high with a soul-inspired evening under the warm June sun. With temperatures hitting a balmy 26 degrees, the Great Court at Blenheim Palace was alive with excitement as music fans gathered to kick off the festival in style. The lineup promised a night of smooth grooves and timeless hits, and it didn’t disappoint. From the soulful tones of Omar to the funky energy of The Brand New Heavies and the iconic Simply Red, this was a night to remember.

The evening began with Omar, whose smooth and energetic set was the perfect way to ease the crowd into the night. His soulful voice and infectious grooves, particularly on tracks like There’s Nothing Like This, reminded everyone why he remains a beloved figure in British soul music.

Next up were The Brand New Heavies, who brought their signature funk and acid jazz sound to the stage. Fronted by Andrew Levy, Simon Bartholomew, and Angela Ricci on lead vocals, the band delivered a set that had the audience on their feet. Tracks like Dream Come True and Midnight at the Oasis showcased their timeless appeal, while their tight musicianship and vibrant energy kept the crowd engaged. By the time they left the stage, the audience was primed and ready for the main act.

Simply Red, led by the iconic Mick Hucknall, closed the evening with a set packed full of hits. Hucknall’s unmistakable voice soared through the Great Court as the band delivered classics like Holding Back the Years, Stars, Fairground, Money’s Too Tight (To Mention), and If You Don’t Know Me By Now. Hucknall’s stage presence and the band’s polished performance made for a fantastic start to the festival, with the crowd dancing and singing along to every word.