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Yorkshire Times
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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
5:42 AM 30th July 2024
arts

Tramlines Festival—Back On Track In Sheffield

Tramlines
All photos: Graham Clark
Tramlines All photos: Graham Clark
This year's Tramlines Festival in Sheffield's Hillsborough Park rewarded festivalgoers with a taste of summer with dry and sunny weather, along with a diverse range of top artists, after last year's rain-soaked and mud-bath-like experience.

The three-day event pulls in some big-name acts with headliners that are distinctive to the north—not the same names that seem to appear too many times at other festivals.

Sophie Ellis Bextor
Sophie Ellis Bextor
Sophie Ellis Bextor has had a resurgence in her career due to her 2001 hit, Murder on the Dancefloor, which appeared in the film Saltburn. The affable singer took the Sheffield audience on a journey through her hits mixed in with tracks by Madonna and Abba. The crowd-pleasing set naturally finished with her 2001 hit, as the fans, many of whom were not born when the track was first released, sang in a joyful unison.

Bombay Bicycle Club
Bombay Bicycle Club
Bombay Bicycle Club reminded everyone that when the band went on a hiatus, when they returned, their first choice of setting to play was The Leadmill, Sheffield’s iconic venue. Musically, the band contrasted well with Ellis-Bextor's pop-infused set, with indie favourites Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You) showcasing the best of the alt pop rockers.

The chance to see Paolo Nutini in concert over the last few years has been elusive. The Scottish singer returned to Yorkshire for a set that began with Nutini singing into an old-fashioned red telephone, which seemed to confirm the contrived persona that Nutini affords.

After the laboured start, the mood improved as Nutini reminded everyone that he had the songs that backed up his tortured artist character. Nutini's performance of Through the Echoes was breathtaking, and the 40,000-strong audience couldn't help but join him in singing Candy, one of his greatest hits.

Paolo Nutini
Paolo Nutini
Finishing off with his acoustic version of the Stevie Wonder hit, I Just Called To Say I Love You, his red telephone was thankfully absent on a performance that eventually had rung true.

In order to get the audience moving, Example decided to leave his band at home and bring a DJ along for his set. With tracks such as Won’t Go Quietly and Bounce at his disposal, Example had everyone’s feet moving.

The Human League
The Human League
The Human League returned to their hometown for a greatest hits set, with their 1980s tracks still sounding relevant and pioneering. Lead singer Philip Oakey joked that he still lived near enough to Hillsborough Park so that he could return home quickly if he forgot to turn off his water taps and gas!

Mirror Man opened up a set that appeared to fly too quickly, with several costume changes, including Oakey wearing a thick leather coat in 24C heat. The band's songs were as hot as ever. Naturally, the band saved their biggest hit, Don't You Want Me, until the very end. Everyone was in the same league as the sun shone, with the band in full force and the audience resplendent.

Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol may seem dour and moody on record, though live they are a different proposition. You’re All I Have proved to be an upbeat opening statement. The bass-heavy tone of the group's sound spoiled many of their tracks, and the inclusion of too many new songs caused many listeners' attention spans to wander. Thankfully, Chasing Cars, one of their biggest hits, brought a victorious conclusion to their set.

Tramlines 2024 will leave a lasting impression thanks to its stellar lineup, favorable weather, welcoming atmosphere, and enthusiastic and sold-out audience.

Tickets for Tramlines 2025 go on sale on Friday, 2nd August more information here