Warwick Castle Summer Concerts - Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

On a perfect summer evening, Warwick Castle played host to 14,000 music fans for a night of rock history that felt as timeless as the venue itself. With the castle’s ancient walls glowing in the golden light of the setting sun, the atmosphere was electric - a Sunday evening that promised nostalgia, anthems, and musical brilliance. Honestly, where else would you rather be?

Warwick Castle, with its centuries-old grandeur and sprawling grounds, provided a truly unique setting for the evening. As you entered the venue, a slow, sloping path led your eyes down to the stage, framed by towering trees and plenty of facilities to keep the crowd comfortable.

The buzz was palpable, with fans decked out in Oasis t-shirts and bucket hats, eagerly anticipating what was to come. The venue’s natural beauty and historic charm added an extra layer of magic to the night, making it clear that this wasn’t just another concert—it was an event.

The evening began with The Waeve, the collaborative project of Graham Coxon (Blur) and Rose Elinor Dougall (The Pipettes). Their set was a bold and refreshing start, blending art-rock and synth-driven melodies that showcased their creative chemistry.

Tracks like Can I Call You and Kill Me Again from their sophomore album demonstrated their artistic range, moving seamlessly between glacial synth laments and driving indie rock. The duo’s confidence and joy on stage were infectious, and their performance dispelled any lingering notions of Britpop rivalries. For the early arrivals, The Waeve set a high bar for the night, proving that they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Next up was Johnny Marr, who wasted no time igniting the crowd with his boundless energy and iconic rock star poses. As the legendary guitarist and co-founder of The Smiths, Marr’s reputation precedes him—and he delivered a set that was equal parts nostalgic and fresh.

Opening with Armatopia, Marr set the tone for a performance filled with singalong moments and trips back to The Smiths’ glory days. Panic sparked the first mass singalong of the evening, while solo tracks like Generate Generate and Spirit Power and Soul showcased his continued relevance in the music scene.

The highlights, of course, were the Smiths classics. This Charming Man, Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want, and a poignant rendition of There Is a Light That Never Goes Out had the audience swaying and singing along, with the famous “Johnny f'ing Marr” chant echoing through the castle grounds. Marr’s genius was on full display, and his performance left the crowd buzzing with excitement.

As dusk settled over Warwick Castle, the anticipation reached its peak for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The crowd, bucket hats firmly in place, was ready for what was to follow. Gallagher, the former Oasis lead guitarist and songwriter, has been captivating audiences with his solo project since 2010, and his current Council Skies tour is no exception.

Opening with Pretty Boy from the latest album, Gallagher immediately set the tone for a triumphant celebration of his career. The set was a mix of new tracks and beloved anthems, each one resonating powerfully across the castle grounds. Songs like You Know We Can’t Go Back and AKA...What a Life! demonstrated Gallagher’s knack for crafting timeless rock melodies, while the Oasis section of the set was nothing short of magical.

Classics like The Masterplan, Whatever, and Live Forever had the crowd singing along with unbridled enthusiasm. Live Forever, slowed down and laden with emotion, was a particular highlight, encapsulating Gallagher’s ability to blend rock-solid confidence with underlying melancholy. An Encore to Remember

The encore was the perfect climax to the evening. Stand By Me, Live Forever, and Don’t Look Back In Anger were met with rapturous applause and mass singalongs, cementing the night as a celebration of rock music at its finest. Gallagher’s charismatic stage presence and witty banter—including a cheeky comment about post-concert behavior—left the crowd smiling and satisfied.

The evening at Warwick Castle was more than just a concert - it was a celebration of musical legends and their enduring legacy. From The Waeve’s bold artistry to Johnny Marr’s nostalgic brilliance and Noel Gallagher’s triumphant finale, the night was filled with unforgettable moments.

As the final notes of Don’t Look Back In Anger faded into the night, it was clear that this event had set a high bar for live music at Warwick Castle. For fans of rock music, it was a night to remember - one that leaves us eagerly anticipating the next installment at this historic venue.

Warwick Castle proved that it’s not just a place for history - it’s a place for making it.