Nocturne Live 2025 - Richard Ashcroft, Lightning Seeds and The Zutons - Live Review

Richard Ashcroft Delivers Britpop Majesty at a Sweltering Blenheim Palace

There are few concert settings in the world that can rival the sheer grandeur of Blenheim Palace, and on the opening night of the 2025 Nocturne Live series, it provided a truly majestic stage. As the UK baked in a summer heatwave, the sprawling grounds offered a stunning panorama, with the great lake shimmering in the distance. The atmosphere was electric, a testament to a brilliant crowd ready for a classic night of music. Settling in with a couple of cold ciders and a fantastic lamb kofte wrap from one of the many excellent food stalls, the evening felt special before a single note was played.

The musical proceedings were kicked off by The Zutons, whose brand of upbeat indie-rock was the perfect tonic for the heat. Their energy was infectious, and the impeccable sound system, flanked by two large screens, ensured their set landed perfectly. They delivered a joyous "Valerie," a track that has taken on a life of its own but was wonderfully reclaimed by its creators tonight.

They were followed by The Lightning Seeds, who delivered a masterclass in crafting perfect pop moments. Ian Broudie’s songs are timeless, and a run of hits culminating in a mass singalong of "Three Lions" felt like the very essence of an English summer evening.

But the night truly belonged to Richard Ashcroft. Strolling onto the stage with an undiluted rock and roll swagger, the former Verve frontman held the audience in the palm of his hand. He has a formidable back catalogue to draw from, and The Verve’s songs in particular have aged into modern standards. "Sonnet" and "Space and Time" were early highlights, their sweeping melodies filling the vast courtyard, while the raw emotion of "The Drugs Don't Work" created a moment of profound, shared silence.

As the final chords of a triumphant "Lucky Man" rang out, an expectant hush fell across the thousands gathered. The anticipation was rewarded as those iconic, cinematic strings of "Bitter Sweet Symphony" cut through the night air. It's a sound that has become part of the British cultural fabric, and hearing it live, in this location, was simply breathtaking. It wasn't just a song; it was a shared cultural moment, its grand orchestral sweep feeling utterly at home against the palatial backdrop. A truly unforgettable conclusion to the festival's opening night.