On the 7th & 8th September 2024, Bridlington Spa welcomed back ‘This Feeling by the Sea’ for the weekend, after its massive success in 2023. It rocked the waves, housing some of East Yorkshire’s most local talent on the Session’s stage – but also became centre point for some of the biggest rising talent within Britain on the main stage.
Saturday alone featured accomplished bands such as The Royston Club, The Rosadocs and The Crooks. People showed up in their hundreds from far and wide to support the event, coming to encourage and sustain the success and positive vibes being shown by the local acoustic talent on the Sessions Stage.
First up to this plate on Friday was East Yorkshire’s own Beth Pilling and The Bootleggers, who sure knew how to bring ‘this feeling’ to Brid Spa. They opened themselves up relaying relatable songs on a personal level, including heartbreak anthems such as their 2019 track ‘What’s the Plan’, detailing all the harsh realities of a breakup but getting everyone up and dancing, with heads moving and feet tapping. Their set includes catchy rhythms and upbeat basslines, whilst displaying the importance of issues such as feminism, which was adamantly clear in one of their most successful hits, ‘Spinning’. With a voice as powerful as Adele’s, Beth Pilling brought the chill vibes with laughter, managing to keep a light atmosphere with upbeat music, yet relaying deep messages within cleverly crafted lyrics.
Sunbeam, the local lads From Whitby, brought the party with their camaraderie and energy – on a scale that could power provincial landmarks and blow away the most dominant of storms. They allowed themselves to be a band you felt you were friends with, chatting with the audience and staying vulnerable – showcasing meaningful hits such as ‘You’re Not Alone’ (released in 2022). They paid homage to all those struggling with their mental health, relaying that ‘for everyone who’s ever felt different with mental health, this one’s for you’. They kept the audience in the palm of their hands the whole way, performing songs that were easy to join in with – including strong acoustic rhythms paired with catchy, upbeat yet deep lyrics. Including songs in their set such as ‘Glory Days’, ‘Northern Town’ and a sneaky preview of their new single ‘The Lights’, Sunbeam proved that it is possible to double the energy of a massive arena with just a room and a dedicated audience.
Last to grace the Sessions stage on Saturday night was Middlesbrough’s Finn Forster, reminding me of soulful influences such as James Arthur; showcasing his warm, hearty voice – with songs such as ‘Say You Won’t Let Go,’ and Finn’s slow romantic ballad ‘ Always’. The stripped back nature of Finn’s music brings the audience back to their roots. He also performed the main track from his new EP, ‘Grey Skies’, which really encapsulated the spirit of those stark coastal days we all know so well along the Yorkshire Coast, with lyrics describing being ‘underneath the bleak grey skies of home’.
This year’s event truly ignited the positive, music-loving spirit of all its onlookers – enticing individuals to travel great distances, including some who had ventured all the way from Hungary. I would highly recommend making the effort to attend next year’s ‘This Feeling’ by the sea and can say that this felt like such a successful event, highlighting talented local groups and individuals.
For more information about the 2025 events, keep an eye out here on yorkshirecoastgigs.co.uk, and sign up to the This Feeling newsletter – and Bridlington spa subscription list via bridspa.com
