The home of Gloucester Rugby, Kingsholm played host to their 2026 summer season of musical stars over the weekend of 27-28 June.
Sonique 7/10
The weekend kicked off Saturday afternoon with Sonique playing some banging tunes to a small but appreciative audience which grew steadily throughout her set.
Sonia Marina Clarke, better known by her stage name Sonique who came to attention as a former member of S’Express seemed a bit put out as not being told she was the opening act, appologising for a heavy set saying she did not realise she was 1st on. Later in the set she bought her dog Blu onstage for an impromptu cuddle
Sigma 8/10
Sigma were next up with their classic hit-filled set which was a resounding hit with the now pretty full stadium. Cameron James Edwards and Joseph Aluin Lenzie, better know collectively as Sigma were joined on stage by their MC who whipped up the crowd into a drum and bass frenzy.
Ministry of Sound Classical 8/10
Headlining Saturday night were the ever impressive Ministry of Sound Classical playing their usual party anthem filled MOS classics with a full orchestra and singers.
The crowds danced, sang and shouted along to all anthems by the end screaming for encores .
Their setlist was littered with hits including:
- Darude – Sandstorm
- Dario G – Sunchyme
- Faithless – Insomnia
- Fatboy Slim – Right Here, Right Now
- Robert Miles – Children
- Alice Deejay – Better Off Alone
- Rozalla – Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good)
- The Chemical Brothers – Hey Boy Hey Girl
- Avicii – Levels
- Daft Punk – One More Time [1, 2, 3]
Nathan Evans & the Saint PHNX Band 8/10
Sunday started quite mellowly with Nathan Evans & the Saint PHNX Band with their distinctive mix of folk, rock, and pop.
Ever since his global hit “Wellerman,” Nathan Evans has been an integral part of the music scene. Nathan and Co delivered what was expected of them with catchy, audience pleasing songs. I wasn’t too sure about the matching gilets branded with their name, but was happy to sing along with the 12,000 other fans.
Natalie Imbruglia 9/10
Ex Neighbours star turned songstress Natalie Imbruglia was an act I had not seen before but was really looking forward to and did not disappoint.
Natalie, who has a highly anticipated seventh studio album, Algorithm, releasing on September 4 mainly older tunes with a couple of newer ones thrown into the mix (see setlist below)
- What It Feels Like
- Wishing I Was There
- One More Addiction
- Shiver
- Upside Down
- Just Drive
- Wrong Impression
- That Day
- Torn
- Big Mistake
Tom Jones 9/10
Finaly the act most people had descended on Kingsholm from near and far was the legendary Welsh singer and performer Sir Tom Jones as he continues to sustain his popularity around the world, captivating audiences with his timeless discography of hit songs and enduring talent and charisma.
At the age of 86, Sir Tom looked a little unsteady on his feet as he entered the stage to a massive explosion of noise from his adoring masses to start a set of old, new and reworked classics.
- He kicked of the show was the aptly named “ I’m growing old” followed by Leonard Cohen’s Tower of Song and Dylan’s Not Dark.
Some of the hits that were reworked quite brilliantly included “What’s New Pussycat”, “Sexbomb” “It’s Not Unusual” and “Delilah” all a slower tempo.
Sir Tom maybe 86 now and less stable on his feet but his voice is still incredibly powerful and velvety, his stage presence is one of a legendary music icon,)fortunately no knickers or bras made it to the stage as in previous tours) His new look full beard received mixed reaction with some shouting to go back to the much loved goatee one, personally it’s all about the music not what kind of facial hair Jones decide to spout.
To sum up… If Tom Jones is performing anywhere near you and you have the chance to get tickets to one of his shows…. Buy them or you will regret not being there, I am not sure there will be many more tours.
Words and Pictures by Jules Annan.