Singing, dancing and fun, fun, fun at Englefield House
There was singing, dancing and fun, fun, fun at the big Heritage Live party weekend at Englefield House. Iona Macaulay, Mary Macaulay and Mirek Gosney report
Thursday, July 17: The Wombats, Doves, Hard-Fi and Alfie Templeman
Friday, July 18: Ministry of Sound Classical
Saturday, July 19: The Jacksons, Boney M and Sister Sledge
Sunday, July 20: Beach Boys, Lulu and David Essex
THE Wombats performed at Englefield Estate on Thursday as part of Heritage Live Festivals 2025 summer events, alongside Doves, Hard-Fi and Alfie Templeman, writes IONA MACAULAY.
Alfie Templeman kicked things off with a lively, energetic set which successfully warmed up the crowd.
The 22-year-old singer was followed by Hard-Fi, an indie rock band from the early 2000s who brought a gritty edge to the evening with an engaging mix of songs from their first album and their more recent releases.
Next up were Doves, whose melancholic songs provided a contrast to their fellow acts but nonetheless the band from the late 90s put on a very enjoyable show, full of sincerity.
Finally, The Wombats headlined with a 90-minute set packed with fan favourites and singalong tunes.
Their dynamic and summery discography was perfect for the occasion and a great fit for the beautiful setting of Englefield Estate.
ON Friday night thousands of revellers enjoyed a brilliant evening of dance music at Englefield Estate, with Ministry of Sound Classical’s headline show as part of Heritage Live Festivals.
The sun came out as a slice of Ibiza was brought to Berkshire, with DJs Fish56Octagon, Judge Jules, David Morales and Paul Oakenfold ramping the crowd up throughout the day before the Ministry of Sound Classical performance which was an amazing spectacle, taking the audience on a journey through dance music history in their incredible orchestral style.
Saturday’s concert was “a wonderful day with fantastic music, and great atmosphere at a very well run, beatiful venue – and right on our doorstep,” says MARY MACAULAY
All the volunteers were dancing at some point in the day, which made for a special party atmosphere.
We arrived to the DJ playing all our favourite music and the crowd was singing and dancing along even
when setting up their chairs and picnics.
Boney M started the party with an array of their hits, certainly bringing a sparkle with their outfits, dancing and singing setting the tone for the day – full of fun and good times!
Sister Sledge arrived on stage with a bang, with more fun and dancing – their voices were strong, singing their own hits but others of the era.
Their beautiful blue glittering outfits perfectly matched the vibe.
The crowd were buzzing for the headliners, The Jacksons, and they didn’t disappoint…
It was a real trip down memory lane, with some old favourites and a backdrop of family photos and videos from the start of their career.
The great surprise was a guest appearance from their sister Janet.
The music was as infectious as the dance moves.
THE Beach Boys brought fun, fun, fun to the UK exclusive summer show on Sunday, says reviewer MIREK GOSNEY. Guests were Lulu and David Essex.
Hundreds came out to catch a wave at The Beach Boys’ only UK show at Englefield House.
Known for their upbeat melodies and nostalgic lyrics about cars, surfing and young love, the Californian rock and pop band has defined American music for more than six decades and sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Fans got to enjoy some good vibrations in a two-hour set led by acclaimed lyricist Mike Love and long-time member Bruce Johnston, who thrilled festivalgoers with classics such as Surfin’ USA, I Get Around, Wouldn’t It Be Nice and Kokomo.
Summer-themed inflatables also bobbed away in the crowd, adding to the immersion under the warmth of the sun.
Amid the festivities, Love paused to pay tribute to his Beach Boys co-founder and cousin Brian Wilson, who died last month aged 82.
In 1961, Wilson, Love and co recorded their debut single Surfin’, which propelled the band to fame.
But the standout of the show was Scottish artist Lulu, who proved she is still the name on everyone’s lips.
The spirited 76-year-old artist appeared on stage first before renowned singer and composer David Essex.
Starting her career with the smash hit Shout at just 15, Lulu went on to collaborate with industry greats, sing the hit theme to the 007 classic The Man with the Golden Gun and win the Eurovision Song Contest in Madrid in 1969 with Boom Bang-a-Bang.
Lulu name dropped, shared anecdotes and announced the release of her upcoming official autobiography, If Only You Knew.
Her playful and witty onstage persona hit all the right notes, as did her candidness about the struggles she has faced throughout her life and career, spanning six decades.
