Taste of British park life in Dubai

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Taste of British park life in Dubai

Lily Allen, Richard Ashcroft brought the party spirit to Dubai Media City, writes Kristine Abante.

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Published: Sun 16 Nov 2014, 10:48 AM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 8:22 PM

 Richard Ashcroft. Photo by Jandri Angelo Aguilor

Richard Ashcroft.Photo by Jandri Angelo Aguilor

Dubai residents experienced a taste of British park life on Friday at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.

Fans young and old flocked to the venue for Party in the Park - which offered perfect al-fresco brunch weather and top performances on three stages by international artists including Freshlyground, The Ting Tings, Richard Ashcroft and headliner Lily Allen.

The infectious fusion groove of South African band Freshlyground kicked off the festivities, with their beautiful vocalist Zolani Mahola inviting everyone to get up from the grass and shake it.

The seven-piece band from Cape Town played a spectacular set, persuading the crowd to dance and party their way.

Indie-pop rockers The Ting Tings were up next, with singer/guitarist Karen White owning the stage with a barrage of hits including fan favourites Shut Up and Let Me Go, Great DJ and That’s Not My Name.

Lily Allen . Photo by Jandri Angelo Aguilor
Lily Allen .Photo by Jandri Angelo Aguilor

English singer-songwriter Richard Ashcroft, former frontman of the popular ‘90s alternative band The Verve delivered a raw and honest solo performance, and his trademark edgy voice got the audience singing along to his memorable hits Lucky Man, The Drugs Don’t Work and Bittersweet Symphony.

Pop princess Lily Allen came on stage with blonde hair, a skin-tight jumpsuit and a more mature, laidback persona. Now happily married and a mother of two, Allen still effortlessly spouted her famously controversial and witty pop songs.

Starting her set with Sheezus, taken from her latest album of the same name, Allen was in her fearless feminist A-game from beginning to end, entertaining the party crowd with her melodic medley of her hits, Smile, 22, LDN and Littlest Things.

She ended the night with the encore song Hard Out Here, laughing and obviously having a good time, as she cleverly changed some of her lyrics that might be deemed offensive, much to the delight of the lively audience.


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