Osborne House Summer Concerts

Following a gap of one-year, Osborne House reprised its role as the top Island location for summer musical spectaculars this July by welcoming two top name acts to perform in its magnificent grounds.

Modfather and rock icon Paul Weller and pop princesses Girls Aloud headlined a special two-day event at the stunning 19th Century English Heritage location where audience members were able to bring along their own picnics. Set against the superb backdrop of Queen Victoria's elegant Island home, they were able to relax, unwind and enjoy unsurpassed musical entertainment from a couple of completely diverse acts on two of the balmiest evenings of the summer so far.

The King British rock

Arguably the most influential musician in modern music, Paul Weller performed on the Saturday night, supported by Indie rock four-piece The Rifles and South African rock star Arno Carstens. Hot off the back of hosting the very successful Hipshaker Lounge at the recent Isle of Wight Festival, the Island's very own Hipshaker DJ's also helped to put the crowd in the party mood prior to the arrival on stage of the great man himself.

Weller put on an irreproachable performance that lasted an hour-and-three-quarters and showcased the very best of his solo work, featuring a number of tracks from his latest album '22 Dreams.'

As the leader and creator of two very successful bands, The Jam and The Style Council, Weller had an extensive back catalogue to choose from, but opted to play his own choice of contemporary hits and despite being in the business for well over thirty years, certainly succeeded in proving that his best work is not behind him. That said, the man whose raw quality and impeccable song-writing ability is rooted in British Culture transported the crowds to a whole new level when he performed the magical 'You Do Something To Me' and the pioneering Jam classic 'The Eton Rifles.'

This was Paul Weller's first appearance on the Island since he played at the Isle of Wight 2003 Festival in 2003 and one of the few outdoor shows he will be performing at this summer and by the looks of it he certainly enjoyed the experience.

The Queens of British pop

Turning the tempo up and setting temperatures soaring on Sunday night were five-piece all-female group Girls Aloud.

With a record-breaking 18 consecutive Top 10 singles including three number ones and five platinum albums already under their belt, Girls Aloud have become one of the most successful British pop groups of the decade. Incredibly this contemporary pop group came in to being off the back of a reality television talent show; Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.

Their continued success has earnt them unprecedented praise throughout the years and they certainly impressed the crowds at Osborne House; even those who may have harboured certain reservations about coming along in the first place!

The audience was certainly different to those who had attended on the previous night. Parents with children and young couples looking for an evening out with a difference were all reinvigorated by the energy of the girl's set which featured a string of top ten chart-toppers and a couple of very successful upbeat cover versions, plus a lavish custome change and impressive use of a revolving section of the stage.

They rounded off their one-and-a-quarter set with 'Jump' and 'Something Kinda Ooh' whipping the crowd into a frenzy of fun.
Proving that sisters really could do it for themselves, Girls Aloud were supported by up-and-coming pop sensation the Saturday Girls.

A setting built for royalty

Set amidst 1000 acres of lush greenery, Osborne House is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Island and English Heritage were delighted to play host to these two prestigious events.

"We are thrilled to be hosting such an exciting line-up this year," said Dean Pascall, English Heritage Head of Visitor Operations on the Isle of Wight, "Staging concerts in the grounds of important historic sites like Osborne House is a very immediate way of engaging people with their heritage as well as attracting a diverse audience, some of whom may never normally visit a historic property."

This two-night event was without doubt a fantastic addition to the already rich musical culture of the Island. John Giddings, organiser of the Isle of Wight Festival, was thrilled to have teamed up with the English Heritage to put on this unique weekend. "It's great to be involved with developing the music scene on the Island," he said, "and especially at one of the most beautiful locations in the country."

For those who hadn’t the time to prepare a picnic for the evening, there were plenty of other options available. From the China Town Noodle Bar to the gourmet burger grill, chilli fajitas and nachos to fresh donuts and ice cream, the variety of food was almost as diverse as the musical line-ups!

Previous acts to perform in the grounds of Osborne House have included Westlife in 2006 and Ronan Keating in 2005.

Back to the Top