Lytham, England – On the banks of the Ribble Estuary in Lancashire, England, is the quiet seaside town of Lytham. It’s famous for its windmill, natural beauty and (for the last 15 years) the TK Maxx Presents Lytham Festival, which has grown from a one-day prom to North West England’s largest musical celebration. It has attracted many stars over its time, and tonight the 20,000-strong sold-out audience was treated to one of its biggest names so far as Stevie Wonder brought his Love, Light and Song Tour to brighten a warm but cloudy evening. Support was from Grammy award-winning Corrine Bailey Rae, who delivered an eclectic set of laid-back soul, protest songs and pop punk to an appreciative crowd. She was the perfect accompaniment to Stevie and set the tone for the evening ahead.
It was a night so magical that I find it hard to find the words to do it justice. Stevie took to the stage to rapturous cheers, his presence genuinely lighting up the festival grounds, and guided by his daughter Ayesha and son Kyleigh he thanked his wife and other children who were watching from the audience. He made a heartfelt plea for love, whilst conflicts flare across the world, and explained how sad he was that this first song was still so relevant as his backing singers began the opening notes to his classic “Love’s in Need of Love Today”, a powerful prayer for compassion in these troubled times. It was a poignant start to his incredible two-and-a-half-hour set. Promising to switch his emotions over to fun though, he launched into “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” and “Higher Ground”, which had everyone dancing along in the rain. His interactions with the audience all evening were genuine and warm, his natural charisma just shining through, and the feeling of love that the crowd felt towards him just grew as the night went on. There was a touching tribute to Sly Stone on “Everybody Is a Star” was sung as a duet with Corinne Bailey Rae joining him onstage.
A short break for Stevie to rest his voice allowed his backing singers to take their turn at performing for us, and their sheer joy and talent kept up the momentum. On returning to the stage, he treated us to “Sir Duke” and “I Wish”, as well as a surprise reggae-infused version of The Beatles’ “Love Me Do”. There were often moments where the audience was called to sing along with him, and he let them take the majority of “I Just Called to Say I Love You” before asking if he should finish the set with “Do I Do” or “Superstition”. There was one very clear winner, and it’s highly likely that “Superstition” was the song that a lot of the crowd were desperate to hear. It did not disappoint and the legendary hook had everyone on their feet. An extended instrumental version of Sly and The Family Stone’s “Thank You (Falletenme Be Mice Elf Agin)” brought an end to a truly sensational night. I can honestly say it was an absolute privilege to be there to witness such an iconic performer, still vocally perfect, deliver such a powerhouse of a set. Lytham Festival goers have been blessed with a night of memories, dancing and love under the summer stars.
TK Maxx Presents Lytham Festival continues until 6th July.
Set List
1: Love’s in Need of Love Today
2: As If You Read My Mind
3: Master Blaster (Jammin’)
4: Higher Ground
5: You Are the Sunshine of My Life
6: Everybody Is a Star
(Sly & the Family Stone cover with Corinne Bailey Rae)
7: Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours
8: Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing
9: My Cherie Amour
10: Overjoyed
11: Stranger on the Shore of Love
(backing vocalist on lead vocal)
12: Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)
(Aretha Franklin cover by backing singer)
13: I’m Going Down
(Rose Royce cover by backing singer)
14: Contusion (instrumental by band)
15: If You Really Love Me
16: Sir Duke
17: I Wish
18: Living for the City
19: Love Me Do
( The Beatles cover)
20: Isn’t She Lovely
21: I Can Only Be Me
(Mandla Morris on lead vocals)
22: I Just Called to Say I Love You
23: Superstition
24: Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)
Sly & The Family Stone cover with Corinne Bailey Rae
PHOTO GALLERY
Stevie Wonder
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Corrine Bailey Rae
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Festival Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
