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Richard Hawley to Perform at Rock n Roll Circus

Thurs 29 Aug – Sun 1 Sept 2024 - Don Valley, Sheffield

Opening Rock N Roll Circus in true South Yorkshire style, Richard Hawley is the latest headliner to be confirmed for next summer's circus themed spectacular at Don Valley Bowl, Sheffield.

The four-day live music event – now in its second year in the city - will kickstart with Hawley on Thursday 29th August 2024 for his biggest ever hometown show. He will be joined on the bill by Northern Irish baroque pop icon The Divine Comedy, Merseyside rock ‘n’ rollers The Coral, plus more special guests to be announced.

In an exciting wave of announcements by the Sheffield live music long weekender which has previously announced headliners Becky Hill (Friday 30th August) and Milburn (Saturday 31st August) Richard Hawley is the perfect artist to start the party. 

Richard  is best known for his mix of classic songwriting, soothing vocals and northern grit realism. Hawley is something of a unique artist in British popular music ; also being synonymous with his association with Pulp but able to cross boundaries from one musical style to another whilst keeping intact his own strong identity.

This proud Sheffield native is thrilled to launch next year’s Rock N Roll Circus 2024 in front of his fellow Sheffielders and those beyond.

Speaking ahead of today's announcement, he said: It’s always a privilege and an honour to play in my home town. I loved seeing Self Esteem at the Rock N Roll circus this year so I’m looking forward to it myself in ‘24”

Cllr Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee, continued:

“I’m delighted to see the return of Rock N Roll Circus to Sheffield. Music is an important part of Sheffield, and events like this help us celebrate that. They also have a positive impact on our local economy, bringing more people to Sheffield, and bringing more visitors to our venues and businesses.

“We look forward to four days of circus fun, amazing music and the event being even bigger and better than ever.”

Richard Hawley is synonymous with his native city of Sheffield. He has released nine studio albums over the last twenty years - two being nominated for the Mercury Music Prize – and over the years, he has duetted with Tom Jones, Nancy Sinatra and Shirley Bassey, and played with (amongst many more) Arctic Monkeys, Elbow, Paul Weller, Manic Street Preachers and Pulp, the band he played guitar with for a number of years. In October 2023 his Very Best of… ‘Now Then’ became his 4th top 10 album and received numerous 5/5 reviews across all media.

The Divine Comedy, meanwhile, is the stuff of pop legend. The alias of Neil Hannon, a Northern Irish pop singer/songwriter with aspirations of becoming a chamber pop fusion of Scott Walker, Morrissey, and Electric Light Orchestra was made famous by his epic 90s song 'National Express.' 

During the early '90s, he built up a strong cult following with a pair of idiosyncratic, critically acclaimed records before his third album, 'Casanova', became a mainstream success in the wake of Brit-Pop's popularity. 

It wouldn't have an authentic festival feel if The Coral weren't in town and the much-loved Merseyside psych indie icons will have the people of Sheffield out early after their tea on the Thursday grand opener to enjoy their colossal back catalogue – which famously started with their chart topping self titled debut album and the huge early noughties smash hit 'Dreaming of You.'

Featuring multiple stages, spectacular aerialists, street food, new and improved VIP areas, beers, cocktails, and much more, Rock N Roll Circus has become a must-attend event for music and entertainment enthusiasts with four days of incredible live music under the big top creating an atmosphere like no other.

Tickets go on sale Friday, 15 December at 10am.

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