Ludlow Castle provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of live music on Thursday 24 July, with the historic venue bathed in sunshine and the town itself buzzing long before the gates opened. People spilled out onto the streets as fans gathered, soaking up the warm evening before making the short walk to the castle. It had all the feeling of a beautiful summer concert, and the atmosphere along the small lanes around Ludlow suggested the crowd knew they were in for something special.
Opening the evening were Ledbyher, the London-based R&B drill who have built a reputation for unique songwriting and energetic live performances.
Next came Maverick Sabre, whose blend of soul, folk and hip-hop brought a more intimate feel to the evening. A standout moment came with “Let Me Go”, a song I recognise from its inclusion on the original Forza Horizon soundtrack. For me, it was a nostalgic reminder of countless hours spent driving across the game’s open roads, while, live, it showcased Sabre’s unmistakable vocal delivery and songwriting.
As the stage was reset, anticipation around Ludlow Castle continued to build. It felt as though the historic venue was holding its breath. Then, as Mike Skinner emerged with The Streets, the roar from the crowd echoed around the castle walls.
Making his first appearance at Ludlow Castle, Skinner immediately made himself at home, sketching two opposing roses onto the glass panels at the front of the stage before cheekily renaming the town “Ludhigh”, a joke that was met with laughter from the audience.
The set itself was thoughtfully divided, opening with tracks from the band’s 2004 Album “A Grand Don’t Come for Free”, before shifting into a run of the songs that have cemented The Streets as one of Britain’s most influential acts. Skinner’s conversational delivery and vivid storytelling were as captivating as ever, while every classic was greeted with huge singalongs from the crowd.
Closing the evening with “Take Me As I Am”, The Streets delivered a fitting finale to a night that began with sunshine-filled streets and ended with thousands of voices reverberating around one of Shropshire’s most iconic venues.
For my first visit to Ludlow, Mike Skinner and The Streets ensured it would be one I would remember.
