Sugababes and Courteeners deliver epic Tramlines sets as fans embrace heavy rain

24 July 2023 , 21:21

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McFly's Dougie Poynter teased fans who were calling for him to strip (Image: Carolina Faruolo)

The recent torrential rain across parts of England didn't stop fans of the Sugababes, McFly, Paul Heaton or the Courteeners from making the most of Tramlines Festival.

Despite the UK seeing more than a month's worth of rain pour in just a number of hours, 40,000 music lovers flocked to Hillsborough Park in Sheffield for the annual event. Over the course of the three-day event, fans expected rain but event bosses hadn't anticipated it to be as heavy.

In a bid to ensure everybody would be safe, top dogs behind the scenes made the decision to delay opening the gates on Saturday and Sunday, as well as cancelling some performances to ensure the event ran as smoothly as possible.

On Saturday, those who braved the downpours were treated to a secret performance from McFly who on the official line-up had been dubbed the Scottish Flies - although they later confirmed their set on TikTok. Elsewhere, the likes of Richard Ashcroft took to the stage before the headline act the Courteeners.

The Sugababes delivered a show-stopping performance on the Sarah Nulty Main Stage (Lindsay Melbourne)

During the Courteeners set, eagle-eyed fans noticed that frontman Liam Fray had debuted Manchester United's latest away shirt, consisting of green and white stripes. Taking to Instagram shortly after his performance, the 38-year-old shared a string of snaps alongside the caption: "Fantastic night tonight. Headlining @tramlines whilst being asked to debut the new United shirt. Crowd were incredible, from start to finish...always have been here."

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Meanwhile, crowds went wild earlier in the day as McFly rocked up on stage as Danny yelled: "Sheffield, how's it going? It's a pleasure to be here." Dougie added: "From the depths of Satan's d**k we have been McFly!"

The bassist for the hit group was wearing just a pair of dungarees for their performance, instantly sparking the crowd to chat: "Get naked!" - to which he agreed, as he flashed his: "Large dark nipples for a dude." But a headline set by the Sugababes on Sunday whipped the soaked crowd into a frenzy as the three original members took to the stage. The group were set to headline stage two (T'Other Stage) but bosses predicted a huge crowd and instantly moved them to the Sarah Nulty Main Stage.

Liam Fray of the Courteeners debuted Manchester United's latest away shirt (Carolina Faruolo)

Mutya, Keisha and Siobhán who won the right to continue using the band name in 2019 treated fans to hits including their debut single Overload, as well as Round Round and About You Now. Despite the horrific downpours, the group made the most of the weather as the crowd roared for their music.

Yorkshire-born rockers the Kaiser Chiefs wasted no time as they set the stage alight with their highly energised performance, with hits including Never Miss a Beat and Everyday I Love You Less and Less being heard across the whole festival site.

One festivalgoer told the Mirror: "The weather might have been awful but it was one of the best weekends, the line-up was incredible. The mud wasn't too pleasant but everybody embraced what was happening and it eventually made the mood so much better as everybody was slipping and sliding with people laughing on.

The weather didn't stop the crowd enjoying performances (Carolina Faruolo)

"The Courteeners and Katy B were two of the best acts of the weekend."

Operations Director of Tramlines, Timm Cleasby said: "We'd like to say a massive thank you to the people of Sheffield, the City Council and especially the residents around Hillsborough Park for having us once again this year. Tramlines has grown into an incredible celebration of local, national and international music and culture and we’re delighted to play our part. Despite the weather, which was challenging at times, the atmosphere and can-do attitude of the Tramlines crowd was incredible and reminds us why we put on this party every year."

Tramlines, in my opinion, is one of the best festivals in the north. The event brings in millions to the local economy for nearby businesses. Regardless of the performers, fans flock in thousands and the atmosphere is always top-tier, no matter where you are on site.

Although the line-up for the 2024 event is yet to be released, super early bed tickets for the event which is taking place on July 26 - July 28 are on sale now on the Tramlines website.

Daniel Bird