Added to that, US chart-toppers Odyssey and Liverpool soul legends The Real Thing plus Hot Chocolate frontman Kennie Simon also added to the enjoyment.
Live At Arley launched last year and enjoyed huge success with amazing live performances from superstar performers along with delicious food and drink.
This was the first of a two day event which was blessed with amazing sunny weather, and everyone was in the mood for singing and dancing with the crowd being well equipped with chairs, picnic tables and food but there was plenty of food available for those who wanted to purchase something hot and tasty. Local entrepreneurs, Dexter & Jones run by husband and wife team, Adam and Katy Rickett were on hand in the VIP area providing drinks and ambiance.
Hot Chocolate frontman Kennie Simon who has enjoyed a prolific music career spanning more than six decades, as Hot Chocolate’s lead singer and keyboard player for the past 15 years, kicked off the entertainment singing all the band’s hits people love and remembered from their heyday. He was accompanied on stage by two girls dressed in silver sparkly costumes wearing space-age silver helmets.
He was followed by US chart-toppers Odyssey famous for their 1977 hit ‘Native New Yorker,’ and ‘Inside Out’. The Real Thing entertained next, with lots of Liverpool themed repartee, thrilling the crowd dancing in front of the stage.
The main event of the evening were Boney M featuring Maizie Williams, the only original band member now performing. The three female singers and single mail vocalists all wore different coloured sparkly outfits and performed all their hits and more, much to the delight of the crowd, many videoing and photographing the performance. Mega large latex coloured balloons were thrown into the crowd who hit them high into the air and over the heads of all who were watching. The crowd, as expected didn’t want Boney M to finish their set and they were treated to an encore of two more songs including another rendition of ‘Ma Baker’. The evening finished with a splendid firework display, much enjoyed by the crowd.
This two day event culminates in Salford-born superstar singer Russell Watson, crowned the UK’s best-selling classical artist of all time who is celebrating 25 years since the release of his landmark debut album The Voice, taking to the stage on Sunday 18th May with a Proms and Anniversary concert supported by a host of musicians and singers from brass and pipe bands to 100-strong local choirs and performers.
This year’s Live at Arley is supporting local charity The GEM Appeal which fundraises for the Willink Unit based at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and its vital research into genetic diseases. A video was shown of TV actress/presenter, Denise Welch, patron of the charity, appealing for funds and there was a raffle supporting the cause.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend an afternoon and evening, and the crowd went home happily at the end of the evening which ran from 4pm – 10pm.
Reviewer – Anne Pritchard
On - 17052025
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