Sam Fender, Blossoms

Silverstone, traditionally known for its high-octane motorsport, has in recent years significantly expanded its offering to include a substantial music festival, transforming the British Grand Prix weekend into a comprehensive summer event. This evolution began to take shape with increasing demand for broader entertainment options alongside the racing. Following a record-breaking attendance of 480,000 fans in 2024, Silverstone has intensified its commitment to a diverse musical programme for 2025, celebrating Formula 1's 75th anniversary with an all-British lineup of talent. The Thursday evening opening concert, featuring Blossoms and headliner Sam Fender, served as the initial showcase of this expanded entertainment strategy.

Attendees at Silverstone can expect a multi-sensory experience that extends beyond the race track. The main stage, now sponsored by eBay, is central to the musical festivities. Large screens ensure visibility for the crowd, while professional lighting and sound systems aim to provide an immersive concert experience. The site also features the T1 Afterparty, offering additional musical acts into the evening. Beyond the scheduled performances, the British Grand Prix weekend incorporates various interactive activities, including F1 driver appearances, panel discussions, and historic car demonstrations, all contributing to a festival atmosphere. Food and beverage vendors are positioned throughout the venue, catering to the large crowds. The event is now designed to fuse high-octane sport with a festival-like atmosphere, ensuring entertainment for a speed loving audience.

The indie rock quintet Blossoms shifted the night into high gear, delivering a set of their guitar-driven melodic hits. Their performance included tracks such as 'Charlemagne,' 'Your Girlfriend,' and 'Gary.' A notable element of their set was the appearance of an eight-foot fibreglass gorilla statue, also named 'Gary,' wheeled onto the stage. Frontman Tom Ogden explained that the song was inspired by a real incident involving the theft of this specific gorilla from a Scottish garden centre, an event that subsequently lent its name to the title track of their fifth album. The band have really developed a slick stage presence which would be welcome on any stage.

Following Blossoms, Sam Fender took to the stage, sending the energy levels and dry ice rising into the hot summer air. Aptly kicking off with 'Getting Started' the set featured several of his well-known anthems, including 'Seventeen Going Under,' 'People Watching,' and 'Hypersonic Missiles.' Always a strong guitar presence, Fender's tracks build steadily as he applies the gas. Taking his influence from classic rock and folk traditions his vocal line builds to a crescendo carrying the audience with him. His delivery is always confident and disarming Geordie grin captivating. It looks and sounds like he will be around for a very long time.

The sound quality is also impressive, and judging from tonight's performances, Silverstone's intention to offer substantial musical entertainment as a core component of the British Grand Prix experience seems to be a winning formula. Perfectly complementing the primary motorsport focus, and firmly positioning the event as a prominent fixture in the UK's summer calendar. An intoxicating combination, long may it continue!

Setlist:
Sam Fender
Getting Started
Arm's Length
The Borders
Howdon Aldi Death Queue
Tyrants
Crumbling Empire
People Watching
Spit of You
Seventeen Going Under
Hypersonic Missiles

Blossoms
Your Girlfriend
I Can't Stand It
Oh No (I Think I'm in Love)
What Can I Say After I'm Sorry?
Perfect Me
Honey Sweet
If You Think This Is Real Life
Nightclub
I Like Your Look
There's a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)
Charlemagne
Gary