By the time the final day of Ludlow Castle’s summer concert series arrived, the crowd had fully embraced this occasion. Glitter-covered faces and neon outfits lit up the castle grounds, and every shade of pink imaginable was on display. Although overcast skies and the occasional drop of rain threatened to interrupt proceedings, spirits remained high. One fan’s T-shirt summed up the mood perfectly: “Slippery When Wet.” It was clear no one was going to let the weather spoil the party.
Opening the afternoon was Meek; her music is a blend of alternative/Indie pop mixed with theatrical influences. She was a brilliant support, in my opinion and a brilliant way to get everyone in high spirits.
Next came Bimini, the performer, model and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist, who brought charisma, humour and unapologetic glamour to Ludlow Castle. A brief wardrobe malfunction failed to derail the performance, with Bimini laughing it off and carrying on. A quick outfit change and the show was back on as normal. If anything, it only reinforced the confidence and professionalism that has made them so compelling.
It was then time for LadyTron, the Liverpool electronic quartet whose pioneering blend of synth-pop, electroclash and new wave has influenced artists for more than two decades. Something worth noting is that their hypnotic visuals and immersive lighting transformed the castle stage, while the synths and vocals created a striking contrast to the performances that came before. It was a captivating set and one that surprised me.
As darkness began to fall and it felt like the colour was being drained out of the sky, Scissor Sisters arrived to a rapturous reception, immediately turning Ludlow Castle into a glitter-soaked dancefloor. From the opening number, the stage exploded with colour, choreography and infectious energy, proving why the band remain one of the most entertaining live acts of the 21st century.
Joined by two exceptional American backing vocalists, Amber Martin and Bridget Barkin, Jake’s harmonies were rich, powerful and added another dimension to an already spectacular performance. True to form, Scissor Sisters embraced their trademark flamboyance, never shying away from pushing boundaries.
Eye-catching costumes, playful choreography and a pair of floating inflatable breasts only added to the wonderfully eccentric celebration unfolding on stage. Del Marquis was noticeably showing off his dancing skills when the band performed “Let’s have a Kiki”. By the end of the night, the weather had become little more than an afterthought. Glitter still shimmered across the crowd; voices were hoarse from singing, and Ludlow Castle had been transformed into a vibrant celebration of music.
It was a fitting finale to an outstanding run of summer concerts.
