The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Noel keeps his cool as city has a musical feast
Throngs of people descended on Dundee over the weekend as music and fun made the city the place to be.
Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds, WestFest and the Stereophonics provided a great weekend of entertainment.
Noel Gallagher returned to Dundee for the first time in 28 years – but told the crowd it was “still as cold” as his last appearance with Oasis.
The Mancunian and his bands entertained a packed Slessor Gardens with songs from his back catalogue.
Gallagher acknowledged the fact he had not played in the city since 1994, suggesting to fans he recalled playing “Devil’s Kitchen” – it was actually Lucifer’s Mill.
After rolling out some of his more recent tracks, fans lapped up the likes of Whatever, Wonderwall and Little By Little from his Oasis days – before he dedicated solo hit AKA... What A Life! to all the Manchester City supporters.
That prompted boos from the crowd – with Gallagher cheekily retorting that Dundee had no right to boo.
That did not dampen spirits as the loudest singalong of the night was reserved for Don’t Look Back In Anger, which rounded off a historic night for the city.
Fans also lapped up sets from Inhaler, Dylan John Thomas and Theo Bleak.
Dundee’s WestFest returned “bigger and better” than ever according to the organisers.
After a two-year break due to Covid crowds flocked to the Magdalen Green event to enjoy a fun day out with live music including Demi McMahon, funfair rides and stalls.
The event has attracted big crowds since being launched in, but like other festivals in the UK, the 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled.
Martin Hay, chairman of the volunteer organisers, said: “It’s so great to be back after two years away. We are definitely bigger and better than ever with
something for everyone.” Stereophonics headlined the second day of Dundee Summer Sessions last night as they thrilled fans at Slessor Gardens while they rocked to their hits.
How refreshing to see a full roster of live events taking place across Tayside and Fife this weekend.
After two years of Covid-induced lockdowns, cancellations and disappointments, some semblance of normality is finally starting to return to daily life.
Events such as the Strathmore Highland Games, Westfest and the Broughty Ferry Lifeboat station open day have long been staples of community life and their return to full health is welcome.
As were the scenes at Slessor Gardens over the weekend as Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds and Sterephonics took to the stage in front of thousands of music lovers.
Life has been much the poorer without them.