I watched Blackpool's The People's Stage concert and was stunned by the amazing performances

Blackpool’s first ever free gig The People’s Stage wowed audiences last night as global superstars and local talents combined in a fantastic three hour performance.

The concert, which was held in the Opera House at the Winter Gardens, linked Fylde Coast talents Little Boots and Rae Morris with mainstream stars like Jack Saverotti, KT Tunstall and band members of the Stone Roses, the Courteeners and James.

People’s Stage was held in tribute to David Bowie, with each artist performing a mix of their own and Bowie’s songs.

2800 people attended the concert, with tickets being won through a balloting system held earlier this year. Blackpool local John Robb hosted the event, and the Halle Orchestra provided the backdrop

Little Boots kicked the show off with powerful renditions of her top 20 hits Remedy and New in Town before passing the baton onto fellow local Rae Morris, whose fantastic, ethereal performance amazed the transfixed audience.

There was a break from the music to allow local poet Nathan Parker the chance to deliver a powerful poem about Blackpool before Northern Soul singer Darrell Smith set the stage alight with rhythm and groove whilst performing three Soul classics in his own unique style.

Following a brief, 20-minute interval the show resumed, with the second half introducing the biggest stars.

Equipped with her trusty acoustic guitar, KT Tunstall was met with the biggest cheer of the night and stepped onto the Winter Gardens stage to perform some of her best known hits, including Suddenly I See and Other Side of the World.

After a brief chat to the audience about her days busking across Scotland, KT invited James band members Saul Davies and Larry Gott to perform an emotional rendition of Laid, a song written by James that KT used to busk on the streets prior to her fame.

Jack Saverotti then gifted the Blackpool crowd with a number of his spectacular hits, including a masterful rendition of his tune Broken Glass, featuring James violinist Saul James.

All of the headline musicians then united on stage for a heartfelt finale performing David Bowie’s Heroes. As the final notes were struck the artists gathered for one final embrace, before turning to the audience- who were on their feet with applause- to bid Blackpool goodnight.

The concert displayed a unity and togetherness which epitomises the spirit of Blackpool, and sent out a clear message of hope in what is a crucial time for the town’s arts and culture scene.

Blackpool has bid to become the UK’s City of Culture for 2029, with shortlisting for the finalists taking place later this year.

Blackpool Town Council has already begun their planning for a year-long plan of festivities, should the town be successful in its bid. The winning city will receive a £10m grant from the UK Government to help celebrate the award.

Click hereto Back the Bid for Blackpool as UK City of Culture 2029.