9/24/2025

Blossoms Brought Gary to Scarborough

BY NADINE GOETZ

English indie-pop band Blossoms brought Gary to the Yorkshire coast as part of the Scarborough Open Air festival presented by TK Maxx. The outdoor event ran from June 11th to August 24th, 2025, featuring acts like Gary Barlow, The Smashing Pumpkins, Will Smith, Snow Patrol, The Script, Shed Seven, and many others. Blossoms wowed the crowd with an energy-packed performance that included a hit-filled setlist and a surprise appearance by a gorilla!

Electro-rock and indie band Apollo Junction from Leeds opened the show, winning over the audience with an electrifying performance, catchy guitar hooks, and passionate vocals. Known for their modern Britpop influence, they’ve recently supported bands like Kaiser Chiefs. The crowd was immediately engaged, and lead singer Jamie Williamson often interacted with the Scarborough audience, even joining them at the barricade during the final song of the band’s set. After Apollo Junction, Irish indie band Inhaler took the stage. It was clear they had many fans in the audience singing along word-for-word to songs from their latest album, "Open Wide," which was released earlier this year, as well as echoing tracks from their earlier works. Many fans had queued all day to see the artists up close, especially the four boys from Dublin. They have shared the stage with Blossoms many times before. Earlier this year, Blossoms supported Inhaler on their European headline tour, and last year, Inhaler supported Blossoms at Wythenshawe Park in Manchester.

Soon, it was time for the main act: Blossoms. Tom Ogden stepped on stage with his signature cowbell in hand, ringing in their first song, “Your Girlfriend.” On stage, Ogden and the band exuded charisma and it was clear that they love performing. The setlist featured fan favorites and songs from their latest album, "Gary," named after an 8-foot fiberglass gorilla that was stolen. Blossoms' own Gary even made an appearance on stage during their last song. The live performance of “Nightclub” was especially captivating, as all band members approached the stage's edge, dancing after Ogden started the song with a phone call – a voicemail from Scarborough's Chaplin's Bar booming over the speakers – a personal touch they bring to every city they perform in. Even those in the seats were up and dancing to songs like “I Can't Stand It,” “Honey Sweet” and “At Most A Kiss.”

The weather in Scarborough was beautiful, and as the sun set behind the stage, it created a stunning view, especially for attendees up in the seats who could fully experience the scene. The band – consisting of Tom Ogden (vocals), Charlie Salt (bass), Myles Kellock (keyboards), Joe Donovan (drums), and Josh Dewhurst (guitar) – along with touring musicians, proved once more why they remain a major force in the indie scene 12 years after formation. The band name was inspired when Ogden and Salt passed a pub called The Blossoms in Stockport and thought it would make a great band name. Known for their distinctive indie sound that blends '80s influences with modern pop, they've built a reputation for energetic live shows filled with surprises and fun moments that leave a lasting impression. Ogden’s clear vocals and catchy choruses encourage audience sing-alongs, while his undeniable charismatic presence on stage draws viewers in completely. The camaraderie among band members fosters a sense of community in the audience – fans on shoulders, singing along, dancing, and embracing each other throughout the night.

Blossoms’ performance at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre reaffirmed that they truly deserve every bit of the success they are having. Their show was definitely worthy of headlining, with an infectious, engaging stage presence that captivated everyone in attendance from start to finish. It was a memorable night on the coast in Yorkshire and a sign that there will be many more exciting things to come from Blossoms in the future.