It’s one of our favourite events of the year, one we really look forward to, one which gets better year after year – and this year didn’t disappoint!
Held during 20-22 August on Boscombe seafront, Wave 105 Night Air at the Piers showcased three evenings of music, with a programme catered to suit a range of tastes. As part of Bournemouth Air Festival, Wave 105’s Night Air goes above and beyond to prove it’s so much more than just an air show.
With three nights of music from different genres, Thursday night kick-started the action with a very British affair – HM Royal Marines Band Collingwood brought a unique proms performance of sea-inspired music to the stage. Aptly named ‘Power from the Sea,’ funds raised from the event went to the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF). Hosted by Wave 105’s own Kate Weston, the evening brought pomp and circumstance to the seafront.
Friday night was ‘Pop Night,’ which featured a stellar line-up including Britain’s Got Talent sweetheart Alesha Dixon, Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding, indie rockers Lawson, Fuse ODG and chart-toppers Scouting for Girls.
As part of the backstage crew, it was a delight to meet and interview the stars before and after their sets. We spent quite a bit of time speaking to Lawson; they were like fun-loving kids playing giant Connect 4 and Swing ball! We challenged Andy and Adam to a keepie uppie contest – after a patchy start, Andy did more than 60 – check out our Facebook Page to see the exclusive video.
We asked Lawson what they like most about gigging on the beach, to which lead-singer Andy answered: “What more can you ask for? Football, planes, gig… a gig on the beach for the Air Festival – it doesn’t get much better!” They well and truly rocked out on stage and the crowd – mainly screaming teenage girls – went wild for hits ‘Juliet’ and ‘Standing in the Dark’ and much to their delight, lead singer Andy Brown jumped on the front row rails to greet some of his adoring fans.
Scouting for Girls were equally chatty and down-to-earth when we caught them backstage after their set. They played a rousing and crowd-pleasing set with chart-topping hits including ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’ and ‘She’s So Lovely.’ The talented trio spoke about their love of Harry Ramsden’s sensational fish and chips. We asked them whether they would like to try paddle boarding with us in Sandbanks when they are back in Bournemouth this December (they’re playing the O2 Academy) to which they said they love water sports and would be keen to try it! SUP Yoga would apparently be taking it one step too far though…
Meeting Alesha Dixon was a personal highlight… she even borrowed my lipstick! Of course we asked her for a selfie and happily, she obliged. Her set was as lively as her personality and she even got around 20 teens from the crowd up on stage with her!
The excitement of Friday night came to an end all-too-soon and I sadly returned home with a ringing in my ears, excited for a third fantastic evening of music the next day. Saturday night was ‘Dance Night,’ and despite the hit-and-miss weather, the crowds raved and had a blast while night air displays impressed overhead. There was music from Black-Box, K-Klass, Karen Harding, Livin’ Joy, Artful and Bournemouth’s very own Cut Up Boys.
The evening came to a tumultuous climax with Black-Box’s ‘Ride On Time.’ It was great to see such a varied age range come out to enjoy 25 years of dance music – there was truly something for everyone. A special shout out must be made to this legendary gentleman who stunned the crowds with his epic dance moves – click here to watch him go!
Hats off to everyone involved, another very successful year! The Liz Lean PR team is already buzzing for Wave 105 Night Air at the Piers 2016…
By Alice Rook