Featured Image: Georgina Hurdsfield 

The two-day music festival Neighbourhood Weekender returns to the city 27th and 28th May

In just over a week a plethora of talented musicians will take the stage at Warrington’s famous Neighbourhood Weekender. With artists such as Courteeners, Becky Hill, Kasabian and Blossoms gracing the stage last year, you’d think they wouldn’t be able to up their game again. However, kicking off the summer of 2023 in style, NBHD Weekender have not only added artists such as Reverend and the Makers and Self Esteem to their line-up, but they also have up there Ella Henderson, Sugababes, Anne-Marie and even the return of Pulp.

A bank holiday weekend full of a variety of talent across three stages, there’s something for everyone at NBHD Weekender this year. We round up 5 acts you must see.

1. Pulp

Sheffield born and bred, Pulp are an alternative rock band that formed in 1978. Fresh from their second hiatus and with 45 years of experience in the music industry, Pulp will be taking to the Neighbourhood Weekender stage to perform one of their many shows of 2023. Most well known for their songs ‘Common People’ and ‘Disco 2000’ and their use of laser lights on stage, Pulp is not one to miss this year! 

Recommended track: ‘Common People’

2. Anne-Marie

Chances are you’ve heard of charting popstar Anne-Marie at least once in your life. Born and raised in Essex, Anne-Marie continuously releases chart topping hits. She is well-known for songs such as ‘Alarm’, ‘Ciao Adios’ and ‘Friends’. As well as her famous collaborations with artists such as Clean Bandit and Sean Paul with their Number 1 song ‘Rockabye’ and Aitch with ‘Psycho’. Her new album Unhealthy is set to release in July 2023; two years after her previous album. It promises to include collaborations with artists such as Shania Twain and David Guetta, alongside Anne-Marie’s iconic bright and bold pop sound and charismatic lyrics. Being a West End star in her childhood, Anne-Marie certainly knows how to put on a performance. You should expect to hear several empowering anthems alongside a high energy performance that you won’t forget any time soon. 

Recommended track: SAD B!TCH

3. The Kooks

The Kooks are an indie rock band formed in 2004 and are known for their amazing sold-out shows. Experimenting in genres such as pop, reggae, ska, rock and funk they are well versed in the musical world, with hits such as ‘Naïve’ and ‘She Moves In Her Own Way’. Their live performances always prove that their songs are as timeless now as they were over a decade ago. Whether you’re hearing them for the first time, or you’ve grown up listening to them for the past 20 years, The Kooks never fail to get the crowd going. Furthermore, don’t be surprised when you see mosh pits being created left, right and centre. 

Recommended track: ‘Naïve’

4. Paul Heaton

Known for his infectious melodies and his ironic humour, Paul Heaton is set to take the stage at NBHD Weekender once again with a very special guest. He made himself a home in the music industry in 1983 when he formed The Housemartins, and he has been a constant in it ever since. He has been incredibly successful throughout his career yet somehow remains surprisingly niche in his unmatched lyrical genius. Heaton’s work is heavy and has a depth like no other, yet he communicates in such a way that his lyrics roll off the tongue in catchy melodies and hooks. Therefore, making him an absolute must see at NBHD Weekender this year. 

Recommend track: ‘D.I.Y’

5. Reverend and the Makers

A Sheffield indie rock group through and through, Jon “Reverend” McClure is back with his band performing a nonstop line of intimate and acoustic gigs off the back of their new album Heatwave in the Cold North. 18 years and 9 albums in, The Rev never fails to miss and is an absolute pro when it comes to commanding a stage with his true authenticity. With music based on reality, there’s always something the audience can relate to in the band’s songs, and this shows in their longevity and success. 

Recommended track: ‘Heatwave in the Cold North’

Neighbourhood Weekender will take place in Victoria Park, Warrington Saturday 27th May – Sunday 28th May. For tickets and more information visit nbhdweekender.com