Review: JLS at Lincolnshire Showground

Sunday 2nd September

JLS fans from Lincolnshire and beyond were treated to a superb feast of music on Sunday at the Lincolnshire Showground.

With support from five other acts, the four-strong boy band performed a string of hits that left a huge crowd more than satisfied.

Over a period of four hours, fans were treated to a whole range of music from a variety of artists.

Hosted by John Marshall and Sam Kirk from Lincs FM, the first two acts - I am Tich and NVS - performed admirably and used their shorts sets to warm up the crowd well.

Following those two was 17-year old singer/songwriter A*M*E, pronounced Amy, who’s stage presence and crowd-pleasing performance was reminiscent of the way Dizzee Rascal engages a crowd.

Her set of five songs was performed with a real vigour and the crowd responded to her energy in kind, jumping up and down and waving their hands with gusto.

Songs Play the Game and Heartless got the biggest reaction from fans, many of whom will no doubt be keeping an eye on the young Londoner’s future career.

Also, whether by accident or pre-arranged, her set included a flyover from the famous Red Arrows which did nothing but add to the atmosphere around the Showground.

Following her were Cover Drive, a band hailing from the Caribbean country of Barbados, and their Bajan-style was one that the crowd responded enthusiastically to. They also performed five songs, including their new single ‘Explode’ and former U.K. number one hit ‘Twilight’.

Next up were X-Factor’s latest winners Little Mix.

They performed a selection of songs from their route to the final and also their number one single Wings.

With Gary Barlow confirmed to be writing songs for the girls’ upcoming album, anticipation will be high for future releases.

The crowd were clearly having a great time, having been treated to some excellent music, but the level was lifted when JLS appeared on stage.

They dove straight into a string of hits, supported by a group of backing dancers and a spectacular light show behind them.

The crowd were lapping it up and screaming away as Aston, Marvin, Oritse and JB sang and danced their way through their opening set.

They disappeared for a few minutes before returning with even more energy, performing hits including Beat Again, Proud and a cover of Maroon 5’s Payphone.

The crowd belted out every word along with them and every ounce of energy was used – both by the crowd and the performers.

Once the show ended the atmosphere did not, as the crowd left still abuzz with the quality they had witnessed throughout the evening.

By Scott Tysoe