A glorious night of live music awaited attendees at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Friday July 11th when Rag’n’Bone Man performed, with support sets from Kerr Mercer and Elles Bailey.
Under the blazing summer sun in Scarborough, the stage was set for an unforgettable evening at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre. With nearly 8,000 attendees filling the venue, the atmosphere was electric—family-friendly, joyful, and buzzing with anticipation. The combination of beautiful weather, a stunning coastal backdrop, and a stellar lineup made for a truly magical night.
The evening kicked off with a rising star from Glasgow, 19-year-old Kerr Mercer. A multi-talented performer, Kerr wowed the crowd with his soulful voice and impressive skills on both piano and guitar. His heartfelt original, One in a Million, gave off strong Lewis Capaldi vibes and left a lasting impression—definitely an artist to watch. As it was the final stop on his tour, Kerr made sure to leave Scarborough with a performance to remember. His energy and charm were infectious, and the crowd responded warmly to his authenticity and raw talent.
Next up was the award-winning Elles Bailey, who brought her signature blend of blues and Americana to the stage. With her rich, husky vocals and a full band behind her, she delivered a high-energy set that had the crowd clapping, singing, and even joining in a giant Mexican wave. Tracks like Leave the Light On and 1972 were instant crowd-pleasers, and her charisma as both a performer and Planet Rock radio presenter shone through. Her rapport with the audience was effortless, and she clearly relished every moment on stage. It was clear she was having just as much fun as the audience, and her set left everyone buzzing.
Then came the main event—Rag’n’Bone Man—who burst onto the stage with his trademark energy and warmth. Backed by a full band and stunning visuals that featured nature-inspired themes, he delivered a powerful set that blended deep emotion with feel-good vibes. Songs like Lovers in a Past Life and All About You highlighted his incredible vocal range, while the sunset added a magical backdrop to the performance. The lighting and graphics were beautifully synchronized with the music, enhancing the emotional impact of each song.
A special moment came when he debuted a brand-new track, Time to Love, a sultry and introspective piece that captivated the audience. The stripped-back visuals for Grace allowed his vocals to take centre stage, with the crowd swaying and singing along in unison. It was a moment of pure connection between artist and audience.
Uplifting tracks like All You Ever Wanted and What You Believe In got everyone dancing, while drummer Ben Thomas truly shone during the explosive finale. Hits like Rush of Blood, Crossfire, and the anthemic Human brought the house down with thunderous applause and cheers.
Of course, the night would not be complete without an encore. Rag’n’Bone Man returned to the stage to perform Put a Little Hurt on Me and the chart-topping Giant, sending the ecstatic crowd home on a high note. The smiles on people’s faces said it all.
It was a spectacular night of live music, sunshine, and shared joy—Scarborough at its absolute best. A perfect summer evening that will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to be there.
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