Photo Credit: Alicia Woods
Words: Sophie Thompson

As a part of the Forest Live concert series Northern Irish megastars Snow Patrol took to the stage in Cannock Chase Forest ironically fitting following the release of their latest album ‘The Forest is the Path’ in 2024. The band have commenced on an extraordinary 6 date ‘Forest’ tour in support of this album where they visit the greenest UK outdoor venues before they head to Worthy Farm to perform at Glastonbury.

The evening started with opening performances from The Florentinas and Freya Ridings. Hailing from Gary Lightbody’s hometown of Bangor in Northern Ireland The Florentinas proved themselves to certainly be an indie rock band to add to your playlists, the fourpiece group showcased their impressive ability to write a catchy indie hook which any crowd can sing along to. With only six singles under their belt, they have embarked on tours with the likes of Stereophonics, Kodaline and now Snow Patrol demonstrating that they are a band on the rise to stardom and are certainly ones to watch. Following on from the energetic electric guitar driven performance from The Florentinas, Freya Ridings took the night in a slightly different direction from the indie guitar sounds of both bands on the night. Ridings is an artist who has already established herself as a national pop star with hits like ‘Castles‘ and ‘Lost Without You‘. Accompanied by two backing vocalists, a piano and a ukulele she delivered a heartfelt and emotional performance.

As the sun began to set over Cannock Chase Forest cheers erupted across the crowd as the Celtic group consisting of: Gary Lightbody, Johnny McDaid and Nathan Connelly entered the stage to the opening chords of ‘Take Back the City’. The song which showcases Lightbody’s love for his hometown in Belfast, getting the crowd singing along from the very start.
Swiftly transitioning into ‘Chocolate‘ which had the field roaring with
excitement.

30 years since the band formed in 1994 it was evident that they are still just as loved and cherished as they were when they first emerged onto the indie rock scene. Performing to a multi-generational crowd proving that Snow Patrol’s legacy is woven into people’s lives no matter their age. This was apparent when the band played their fan favourite ‘Run‘ as the crowd
‘lights up’ as the song says. The legendary songs sounding just as great as they had when they were first released

There is no Snow Patrol gig without the anthemic ‘Chasing Cars‘ as the crowd sings louder than Lightbody himself bringing an element of catharsis, there was a noticeable connection between the band and their fans. The timeless unique vulnerability of ‘Chasing Cars‘ is certainly a factor for their undeniable success.

Ending the night was another fan favourite ‘Just Say Yes‘ perfectly ending their set which consisted of a balanced mix of upbeat lively tracks to get the crowd moving and slower mellow songs which gave the crowd a chance to witness just how great of a musician Gary Lightbody is. Thursday night demonstrated how at aged 49 Gary Lightbody truly has retained his showmanship and is certainly at home on the stage.