X Factor champs heading back to Coventry

THE reigning champions of a famous TV talent show are the latest act announced for Coventry’s summer music extravaganza.

X Factor 2017 winners Rak-Su will play the Soundscape Weekender at the Ricoh Arena next year - which is being billed by concert organisers as one of the biggest music events in the city’s history to date.

The event, to be held in June, will host two days of music - the first dedicated to the indie genre, and the second a line-up of chart-toppers with headliner David Guetta.

R&B group Rak-Su are the penultimate act to be announced for the Sunday, June 16, and will join Clean Bandit, Years & Years, Mabel and Anne Marie.

The boys are no stranger to the city as thousands turned out in Broadgate earlier this month to see them turn on Coventry’s Christmas lights.

They quickly became X Factor favourites last year by writing and performing their own original songs.

After forming just two years ago, they had three singles reach number one on the iTunes chart during their run in the TV contest.

Since winning the competition the band have scored a numbertwo hit in the UK charts with Dimelo, which saw them working with Wyclef Jean and Naughty Boy, and have recently unveiled their latest catchy number, I Want You To Freak.

The four-piece band also toured with Little Mix last summer and have worked with Canadian production duo Banx & Ranx.

Dan Nelmes, director at Showtime Live, the promoters behind Soundscape Weekender, said: “Rak-Su have seen their popularity surge since winning last year’s X Factor and will bring a lively party atmosphere with them, just like they did when thousands of people turned out to see them turn on Coventry’s Christmas lights.

“They are currently working on some new music so we can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeves for the Ricoh Arena crowd next summer. We are really proud of the star-studded lineup we have assembled so far, which is at an affordable price compared to other music events out there.!”

Justine Hewitt, Head of Operations at Ricoh Arena, added: “The highcalibre of the day-two line-up has turned a few heads.”

Tickets for Sunday 16 June are priced from as low as £49 per day with hospitality options also available.