Day Two of the Neighbourhood Weekender saw Warrington’s Victoria Park enveloped in a blanket of cloud with only patches of sun, yet the weather failed to dampen a fevered atmosphere ahead of one of the summer’s most highly anticipated reunions - the return of Pulp to the live festival stage.
Kula Shaker and Gaz Coombes kick-start the festival's afternoon of music entertaining the early crowds. Yet, it is local act The Lottery Winners who steal the spotlight on the Big Top stage. Their punchy indie-pop sound and fantastic stage banter make for the perfect combination.
Fresh off the success of their chart-topping Anxiety Replacement Therapy, the Leigh four-piece are on form with lead singer Thom Rylance reassuring the crowd that the newly found fame hasn’t gone to his head, explaining, “My shoes are Prada but the shirt is from Asda George.” The crowd bounces along to an electrifying version of Burning House before the set concludes memorably with Start Again. “This doesn’t happen to people like us”, exclaims an excited Thom but their brand of music deserves it.
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Over on the main stage Gang of Youths showcase their immaculate stadium-worthy songs including Let Me Down Easy. Lead singer David Le’aupepe is keen to show off his ‘Jarvis Cocker’ dance moves while trying to keep a close eye on the Everton score. Despite the older crowd's reserved engagement, the band's impressive set leaves a lasting impression.
From the moment The Reytons arrive at the biggest crowd of the day in the Big Top, it’s obvious they are quickly outgrowing these tent slots with their popularity showing no signs of slowing down. Frontman Johnny Yerrell wastes no time, launching into pulsating opening track Red Smoke, setting the pace for a relentless set.
The riotous energy remains unrelenting as the still unsigned act rips into their first Number One album What’s Rock And Roll with Slice Of Lime causing the tent to jump with fervour. The set reaches its conclusion with an explosive performance of crowd favourite Kids Off the Estate before Uninvited incites a massive mosh-pit throughout the raucous tent leaving no one in doubt that the Rotherham band are one of the best new live acts around.
As the sun finally emerges from behind the clouds on the main stage, Sea Girls take the stage. Their soaring choruses elicit a spirited response from the audience who sing and dance along to Do You Want To Know and All I Want to Hear You Say.
The arrival of Self Esteem as the penultimate main stage headliner further intensifies the heightened atmosphere, drawing a substantial crowd. Rebecca Lucy Taylor delivers a powerful performance filled with empowering pop anthems, striking a chord with the audience through tracks I Do This All the Time and Girl Crush.
Finally, the moment that the huge crowd has been waiting as Pulp arrive from behind the red curtain for their 524th concert. I Spy fills the air as Jarvis Cocker and bandmates make a suitably dramatic entrance, captivating the entire stage with their theatrical spectacle.
After kicking off their 2023 reunion with an intimate show at Bridlington Spa on Friday night, their first show in more than a decade, the Sheffield band display no signs of rustiness.
The energy reached its peak as Disco 2020 explodes, accompanied by a shower of streamers from the stage. Cocker confidently struts around, eluding his magnetic stage presence as the joyous audience sings back every word, compensating for the ten-year absence of their beloved band.
The setlist is a Pulp fan treasure trove of deep cuts including Weeds and Weeds II as Cocker captivates the audience in the musical journey.
He reminisces about a previous Warrington show from 18th August, 1996 before an exhilarating version of Do You Remember The First Time. A cascade of confetti greets the chorus of Babies with the crowd erupting into a frenzy, losing themselves in the moment.
The encore, a three-song affair, concludes with the iconic Common People as it brings about another joyous crowd reaction. Cocker takes a moment to introduce his full band, before delivering the final chorus, leaving everyone in attendance with a resounding feeling that the wait has been well worthwhile.
Though the duration of the return remains uncertain, one thing is undeniable, everyone is going to enjoy this Pulp encore.
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