Rhodes Media Blogs

Carlisle’s leading trainers go head-to-head this week in what promises to be a grandstand finish at the course’s final flat meeting of 2018.

The Cumbrian track says farewell to the sprinters for another year after Wednesday’s eight-course card with a thrilling finale in prospect.

Last year’s top course trainer Richard Fahey has saddled six winners in the season, one ahead of nearest rivals Karl Burke and Roger Fell.

All three have strong contenders in the afternoon’s standout race the 8f, Smarkets Betting Exchange Handicap with a £9,700 prize for the winner.

Fahey has five-time winner Withernsea, first home in a Class 5 at Beverley last time out, with Paul Hanagan in the saddle. Fell’s Elusive Heights has raced in good company this year, with a third at Thirsk over this distance the highlight.

Burke’s London Protocol was twice a winner in France last year, including 44,000 Euros for the Qatar Prix Grand Handicap De Milers on the all-weather at Chantilly. Last time out was over this distance at Kempton when eighth.

The trio will be in very good company. Mark Johnston’s Dream Today was a £43,000 Class 2 winner at York on debut last August and has mainly run at that level in 2018.

Tim Easterby’s Just Hiss, a winner at this class in York last year, will again have Rachel Richardson in the saddle and will be fancied. As will David O’Meara’s Lamloom, twice a winner at Class 4 this year, and paired with Daniel Tudhope.

Seven runners will contest the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes for two-year-olds.

Hugo Palmer, another trainer who has enjoyed a successful season at Carlisle with four wins from just five runners, has Startego. Buckman Tavern with Rosie Jessop in the saddle goes for Sir Mark Prescott.

Johnston, who recently overtook Richard Hannon Sr to become Britain’s most successful winning trainer, has Fraser Island ridden by Franny Norton.

Elsewhere on the card, 17 entries will contest the Andersons’ Quality for your Home Handicap over 6f with Fell and Fahey again challenging.

Fahey’s The Right Choice was a winner when favourite over similar distance at Pontefract in May and Fell’s Muatadel has three career victories at this kind of length and most recently was runner up at Doncaster over 7f.

Inexes for David Nolan is likely to have supporters. He was placed behind Beverley Bullet at Carlisle over 7f a fortnight ago and has won at Class 4 previously.

Mick Channon sends four entries north from his Newbury stables for the meeting. Big Boots in a 6f nursery handicap was a winner on debut at Bath back in May and Apple Anni can count a victory at Beverley this time last year.

There’ll be no opportunity to add to his impressive tally of winners for this year’s leading Carlisle jockey, Ben Curtis.

The 29-year-old suffered a shoulder injury after being dislodged beyond the finishing post when riding Sugarloaf Mountain to victory at Newcastle on Friday.

The fall came the day after riding a brilliant treble at Carlisle that took him to 100 winners in a year for the first time.

Curtis, who has twice finished as top Carlisle jockey in the previous three seasons, has 10 winners in 29 rides at the Durdar track this year. That puts him well clear of the next most successful, PJ McDonald with six, and Tony Hamilton with five.

Molly Dingwall, Carlisle Racecourse’s General Manager, said: “It only seems like yesterday we were getting ready for the new season and here we are preparing for our flat season finale.

“We’ve had a wonderful summer, with many memorable days and we’re looking forward to one last hurrah on the flat before attention turns to the jumps season.”

Gates open on Wednesday at 11.30am. First race is at 1.30pm, last race at 5.25pm. Adult tickets are £15 (in advance) or £18 (on the day). Under-18s free entry when accompanied by an adult.

A record-breaking summer of live music at Scarborough Open Air Theatre was watched by more than 90,000 people, venue promoters Cuffe and Taylor are delighted to reveal.

Sell out shows from the likes of Britney Spears, Lionel Richie, Bastille and Gary Barlow saw music fans from around the world head to Europe’s largest open air arena in 2018.

This year’s sensational summer season was brought to a close at the weekend as a capacity crowd watched Britney Spears take to the stage on Friday before indie legends James rocked the venue on Saturday night.

And Cuffe and Taylor are already working on next year’s line-up when they pledge to bring more of music’s top names to the Yorkshire Coast.

Cuffe and Taylor director Peter Taylor said: “This year has been sensational, and we are so proud Scarborough Open Air Theatre is now well and truly on the world music map.

“We knew when we announced that such worldwide megastars as Lionel Richie and Britney Spears would be heading to Scarborough OAT that this year was going to be something special and so it proved.

“We are delighted to reveal more than 90,000 music fans bought tickets to watch a gig at this beautiful venue which means for the third year running the attendance record has been broken.

“We want to thank every single music fan who has bought a ticket and we hope to see you back here in 2019. We are well on with planning for 2019 and we can’t wait to reveal who we have got lined up to play Scarborough OAT!

“World-renowned stars now want to play this special venue and we are so thrilled to be able to bring them here.”

Cuffe and Taylor, which is part of Live Nation UK, took over promoting live music at the Scarborough Borough Council-owned Open Air Theatre in 2016 and has smashed the venue’s attendance record every year since.

This year’s line-up saw unforgettable performances from Lionel Richie, The Script, Gary Barlow, Nile Rodgers and CHIC, Steps, Alfie Boe, Emeli Sandé, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Stereophonics, Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics, Il Divo, Bastille, Texas, James Arthur, Britney Spears and James.

Cllr Derek Bastiman, Leader of Scarborough Borough Council said: “Everything about this year at Scarborough OAT has been incredible.

“I am very proud of the achievements of everyone involved in making the venue a great success, from Stuart Clark, the Council’s Operations, Venues and Events Manager along with all the council’s staff that work tirelessly to ensure both stars and music fans have a memorable visit to the venue for all the right reasons, to our brilliant promoters Cuffe and Taylor who pulled out all the stops to secure a top class line up, and many others that played their part. What more can I say other than bring on next year!”

Janet Deacon, Area Director for Welcome to Yorkshire said: “The season this year has been truly outstanding and has given a tremendous boost to the local economy.  Many of the attendees have come from not only the UK but from all over the world, travelling in from America, Italy and China to name but a few.

“Accommodation providers are reporting a spike in bookings as soon as shows are announced, with one reporting that their rooms were sold out within fifteen minutes of one announcement. The venue is attracting first time visitors to the borough who not only fall in love with the Open Air Theatre but the area as well.

“This is resulting in repeat visits, which is fantastic news. Cuffe and Taylor and Live Nation have truly put the venue and destination on the world wide map for live music.”

Rap-pop rocking five-piece Y.O.U.N.G will join James Arthur for his rescheduled headline show at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Sunday August 12.

The man behind such worldwide hits as ‘Impossible’ and ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’ is returning to Europe’s largest open-air theatre following the cancellation of his show last month due to adverse weather conditions.

Tickets are available from www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com

Y.O.U.N.G, who have already performed at the venue twice this summer supporting both Emeli Sandé and The Script, will open the show for James on what will be a not-to-be-missed gig.

The return show also comes after a series of summer festival dates which has seen the Manchester-based outfit earn an army of new fans as well as massive hype around their rework of live set fan-favourite ‘What I Gotta Do’ in celebration of the World Cup.

The five-piece are Chez Davis (vocals/guitar), Benjamin James (rap), Jamie Skehan (guitar), Tom Whitehead (bass) and Graeme Smith (drums).

Speaking about their return visit Chez said: “Scarborough is beginning to feel like home this summer.

“We’ve already had two great shows there and are delighted we’re now on the bill to support James Arthur. This feels like the perfect fit for our fanbase and hopefully we’ll pick up a new legion of fans on the night.

“As northern lads we love nothing more than a day at the seaside so to enjoy the delights of sunny Scarborough followed by supporting James Arthur at such a great venue is the perfect way to enjoy the summer.”

Y.O.U.N.G replace original support Nina Nesbitt who is unavailable for the rescheduled date.

James Arthur is riding high following the huge success of his 2016 album ‘Back From The Edge’ which catapulted him back to the top of the charts and led to a string of sold-out live shows.

It is just five years since the Middlesbrough-born singer/songwriter became an overnight star when he won ITV’s X Factor. His debut single ‘Impossible’ became a worldwide hit – selling more than three million copies and hitting No.1 in 50 countries.

He was nominated for a Brit Award and his self-titled debut album, featuring the single ‘You’re Nobody Until Somebody Loves You’ and collaborations with Naughty Boy and Emeli Sandé, was certified Gold in the UK and sold 400,000 copies worldwide.

And last year James – who picked up two more Brit Award nominations in 2017 – capped his triumphant comeback by embarking on his first ever UK arena tour.

Tickets for all shows at Scarborough OAT are available from the Scarborough Open Air Theatre’s Box Office (01723 818111) via www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com and the Discover Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau (01723 383636).

TICKET INFO

All those with tickets for James Arthur’s original June 28 show are being issued with new tickets. This is due to the fact those in the standing area handed over their tickets on entry to the original show, while many other tickets were damaged by the rain.

Only the new tickets issued – displaying the August 12 date – will be valid for the show.

Ticket agents will issue new tickets by post. Those customers who purchased theirs from the Scarborough OAT box office are in the process of being contacted and new tickets will be issued to them.

Leading riders and stars of the future are heading to Cumbria in search of glory at the world’s most prestigious all-female jockey race meeting.

Carlisle Racecourse’s Ladies Night has been at the forefront of promoting and celebrating women in racing for almost a decade.

This year’s eagerly-awaited meeting – on Monday August 6 – gives leading professionals,  up-and-coming apprentices and amateur jockeys the chance to shine.

And on a night of true Girl Power it is very fitting that Spice Girl Melanie C will host the annual Party In The Paddock with a special post-racing DJ set.

Josephine Gordon is this year’s Ladies Night Race Day Ambassador. The Newmarket-based jockey knows Carlisle well as she rode a Ladies Night winner at Carlisle in 2016 on her way to becoming the British flat racing Champion Apprentice.

Josephine said: “It’s a real honour to be Race Day Ambassador for the UK’s only all-female jockey race day.

“I am thoroughly looking forward to the meeting – it’s a really good experience. The atmosphere is brilliant, the crowd is normally huge so it’s a great day.

“The landscape has changed for women jockeys. There are now a lot more females coming through the ranks so this is a great event to show that talent.

“Carlisle is a testing track for both horse and jockey, you can really teach a horse something there. Added to that, top northern trainers will be there competing against each other, so it makes for a great day.”

Like many racecourses across the UK, Carlisle has held an annual Ladies Day for a number of years. But what makes Carlisle’s Ladies Night different is that it was the world’s first ever, and is still the UK’s only, all-female jockey meeting.

Rachel Richardson, who landed a double at Carlisle’s Ladies Night in 2017, added: “It’s such a great event – it’s a real chance to pick up a full card of rides and that gives you plenty of chances.

“This race meeting gives young up-and-coming jockeys a real chance. You only need something to run well or get a winner and it can make such a major difference and really help your career. You can really make a name for yourself.”

Apprentice Paula Muir approaches Ladies Night in the form of her young career. The 23-year-old recently landed a double at Redcar to go alongside July wins at Ayr and Thirsk.

Paula, based at Michael Dods’ yard in County Durham, is encouraged by the number of female jockeys now racing competitively and believes the all-female card can only help.

She said: “It’s a good meeting for the girls. I think the more girls see the success that Josephine Gordon, Rachel Richardson and others have the more it encourages them to think they can do it themselves.

“And obviously, it’s great when we get one over the boys!”

Fellow apprentice Faye McManoman, who rode a winner at Ladies Night last year and has followed up with more winners at Carlisle this season, said: “I love it at Carlisle – it’s without a doubt my favourite racecourse!

“The support is fantastic, everyone at the course is just so lovely and it’s a great track to ride on. It fills me with confidence every time I go there so I can’t wait to ride there again.”

And Gemma Tutty will be hoping to go one better after a number of second places at Carlisle’s Ladies Night in recent years. Gemma said: “Ladies night is a brilliant event – all the girls love it. I’ve had so many seconds there so hopefully I can change that this year!

“It’s the only all-female jockey race meeting in the UK so to have it in the north of England is fantastic. It is the chance to get on horses that we might not normally get the chance to ride and build up an association with a new trainer.”

All jockeys in the field will be competing for the Durdar Trophy. Previously won by the great Hayley Turner it is awarded to the most successful jockey on the evening.

Molly Dingwall, Carlisle Racecourse’s general manager, said: “Carlisle has been at the forefront of promoting female jockeys and women in racing for many years, so we are honoured to host this unique and celebrated event.

“The evening gives both amateurs and professionals the chance to get a greater number of rides than they would perhaps normally get. And that is vital for riders who are starting out and trying to make a name for themselves in the sport. Jockeys really do have the chance to raise their profile here on the night.

“It is also a great social occasion and this year we are delighted Melanie C will lead our Party In The Paddock. It should be another wonderful evening both on and off the track.”

Tickets for Ladies Night are on sale now via carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.uk or by calling 0344 579 3002. Gates open on Monday August 6 at 2.40pm. First race is 5.40pm. Melanie C’s DJ set will start after the last race at 8.40pm

Yorkshire’s very own soul groove masters Ten Millennia will open the show for chart-topping rock band Texas at Scarborough Open Air Theatre.

Texas – who have sold more than 40 million albums in a brilliant career that has spanned four decades – play a headline gig at Europe’s largest open-air theatre on Saturday August 11.

Tickets are on sale now at www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com

Ten Millennia – who have supported the likes of The Corrs and Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra – have won a loyal following of fans who adore their penchant for buoyant, carefree rhythms.

The six-piece band’s self-titled 2017 debut album evoked the moods of the late 1970s and early 80s, from Stevie Wonder to Shalamar. This summer’s follow-up, ‘Love Won’t Wait’, broadens the palate by embracing Motown and blues while tipping its hat to the disco stylings of Chic and Kool & The Gang.

With all their material self-penned, they are a welcome throwback to an era when music was all about dancing to sun-kissed tunes and having a good time. They will undoubtedly get the crowd into the groove ahead of Texas taking to the Scarborough OAT stage.

Led by vocalist Sharleen Spiteri and co-founder Johnny McElhone, Texas are riding high following the success of their ninth studio album ‘Jump on Board’.

Released in May 2017, and bursting with great songs influenced by Northern Soul, Disco, seminal British groups like the Bee-Gees and Orange Juice, it became the band’s sixth UK Top 10 album.

Singles ‘Let’s Work It Out’ and ‘Tell that Girl’ were major radio hits and Texas played a string of scintillating live shows.

The new songs sit brilliantly alongside the band’s massive hits that include ‘I Don’t Want A Lover’, ‘Say What You Want’, ‘Halo’, ‘Summer Sun’. ‘Getaway’ and ‘Black Eyed Boy’.

Tickets are on sale now at www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com or from Scarborough Open Air Theatre Box Office (01723 818111) and the Discover Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau (01723 383636).

For more information about Ten Millennia and their forthcoming album ‘Love Won’t Wait’ visit www.tenmillennia.com

Ladies, get ready for Carlisle’s most devilishly stylish, chic and fun night out of the year!

Monday August 6 is Carlisle Racecourse’s annual Ladies Night meeting which is a wonderful sporting and social occasion.

It is the UK’s only all-female jockey race meeting as Cumbria’s premier racecourse once again celebrates and promotes women in racing.

On top of a day of top quality flat racing on the track, the event is an ever-popular fixture in Cumbria’s social calendar oozing style, glamour and fun.

And this year, after racing, the one and only Melanie C will bring plenty of ‘Girl Power’ as the Spice Girl gets behind the DJ decks to lead a not-to-be-missed ‘Party In The Paddock’.

Ladies Night is at the forefront of promoting women in racing when the nation’s leading stars and up-and-coming young riders battle it out on Carlisle’s flat course.

Many big names in the sport have had winners on this day down the years – and this is a real chance to not only celebrate those at the top of their game, but see the stars of the future.

Abbie and Ella McCain, the teenage granddaughters of Ginger McCain – Red Rum’s legendary trainer – both had winners at last year’s meeting and they are widely expected to be back again on August 6 to have another crack at landing a Ladies Night victory.

Cheering them, and all the other jockeys, on will be thousands of racegoers who dress to impress and have a great night.

The paddock will be awash with swish summer frocks as friends attend a race meeting which has become a firm favourite with racing fans and those who want to kick back and enjoy a great social event.

Molly Dingwall, Carlisle Racecourse’s general manager, said: “Ladies Night is one of the highlights of our annual race calendar both in terms of the action on the track and the atmosphere in the stands and around the course.

“We are rightly very proud we present the UK’s only all-female jockey race card when we really celebrate women in our wonderful sport.

“The racing is always very exciting which is loved by both the girls on the course and those in the stands and paddock.

“After racing there will be a massive party when the paddock is transformed into a huge dancefloor. In Melanie C we believe we have the ultimate symbol of ‘Girl Power’ to play the tunes which will really get the racecourse dancing.

“The weather in recent weeks has, of course, been wonderful and we hope the sun will continue to shine on a day that we really cannot wait for.

“It should be a great day both on and off the track and an event that is really not to be missed.”

Gates open on Monday August 6 at 2.40pm. First race is 5.45pm, last race 8.45pm. The ‘Party In The Paddock’ with Melanie C will begin after the last race. To buy tickets call 0344 579 3002 or go online at carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Following Ladies Night there will be afternoon of flat racing on Wednesday August 22 and again on Thursday August 30.

James Arthur will return to Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Sunday August 12.

James’s headline show was cancelled on Thursday evening due to adverse weather but venue promoters Cuffe and Taylor are today delighted to announce the show will now take place.

All tickets sold for the original show are valid for the new date.

Cuffe and Taylor had no alternative but to cancel Thursday night’s show after a series of lightning strikes along the Yorkshire coast.

Director Peter Taylor said: “We have worked really hard to be able to reschedule the date and we are delighted to be able to announce James will return to Scarborough OAT on Sunday August 12.

“It was really disappointing to have to cancel on Thursday night, but we had no choice given the lightning strikes and potential danger to all at the arena. We do not take these decisions lightly, but the safety of audience members, staff and artists always comes first.

“We want to thank everyone who came on Thursday night and braved the most atrocious weather for their understanding. We hope to see you here on August 12.”

Anyone with tickets for the original show who is unable to attend the new date is advised to contact their point of purchase.

Fresh from a sensational set on Lytham Festival’s main arena stage, and a summer tour supporting music legends Madness, The Tailormade are back in town to headline the first ever Lowther Sessions.

The not-to-be-missed night on Friday August 3 at Lytham’s Lowther Pavilion brings together festival favourites and emerging music talent.

Tickets are just £10 and are on sale now from www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk

Indie pop band The Tailormade – who have supported the likes of Madness, Olly Murs, George Ezra, CeeLo Green and McBusted – will headline the night supported by Karima Francis, Jessica Ray and Emily Rhodes.

The Tailormade frontman Jack Frimston is from St Annes and met bandmates Matt Pickersgill and Aaron Murphy while studying at university.

They became Radio One stars when they busked in competition with a disguised James Arthur and The Vamps at London’s Waterloo Station with Breakfast Show host Nick Grimshaw labelling them the station’s house-band.

Speaking about Lowther Sessions, Jack said: “We had another amazing night at Lytham Festival supporting George Ezra last week, so we cannot wait to get back to headline the first ever Lowther Sessions.

“We are on with some really talented musicians and it is great that Lowther is putting this night on to showcase what live music talent is out there.

“We gig all over the country, and are based in London, but Lytham is our adopted home – we love playing here. We always have such a party on stage when we play Lytham and we expect this to be no different. Bring your dancing shoes folks!”

The Tailormade, who are managed by Cuffe and Taylor, head out on their first headline UK tour in October.

Karima Francis will be returning to the Fylde coast to perform a raw and powerful acoustic set at the Lowther Sessions. She has appeared on Later with Jools Holland and also supported artists such as Paul Simon, Amy Winehouse and The Stereophonics. She is now working on new music and this could be your chance to hear it first.

Also featuring will be talented singer-songwriter Jessica Ray, who brings together soulful blues tones with energetic pop rock. This is your chance to hear her debut single and more.

Opening the night will be Fylde coast teenage singer-songwriter Emily Rhodes who herself is no stranger to Lytham having twice performed at Lytham Festival, most recently supporting The Mersey Beatles at their sold-out Lowther Stage show. Emily is currently a finalist in the Mayor of London’s Busk In London competition.

Tickets for Lowther Sessions on Friday August 3 are just £10 and are on sale now from www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk

The Mersey Beatles are ready to take music fans back in time to “The Year Of Revolution” when they appear at Lytham Festival.

Fifty years after the release of the Fab Four’s ground-breaking 1968 album ‘The Beatles’ – known the world over as ‘The White Album’ – the world’s favourite Liverpool-born Beatles tribute will perform a special anniversary show at Lowther Pavilion on Tuesday July 17.

This two-part show will see the band perform seminal tracks and hits from the White Album including such legendary songs as Revolution, Helter Skelter, Back In The U.S.S.R and While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

They will follow this with a sensational second set of Beatles’ classics which will take the audience on a journey through the Fab Four’s legendary hit-packed back catalogue – from the songs of Beatlemania to Sgt Pepper and Abbey Road.

The Mersey Beatles were the resident Beatles tribute band at Liverpool’s world famous Cavern Club for 10 years. Since leaving The Cavern, The Mersey Beatles – who are Steven Howard, Mark Bloor, Brian Ambrose and Craig McGown – have wowed audiences around the world and played a sell-out show at Lytham Festival last year.

Steven, who plays Paul McCartney, said: “We loved our show at Lytham Festival last year and we can’t wait to return.

“The White Album is one of the most ground-breaking and unique albums of all-time. Fans love its quirkiness, its eclectic mix of songs, but these amazing tracks are very rarely played live so this really is a very special show.

“Our set ranges from beautifully poignant songs like Julia and Blackbird to rockers such as Helter Skelter and Revolution. It’s great not only for us as musicians to get the chance to play these legendary songs, but for Beatles fans who want something a little different.

“We then we follow it up with a second half which captures classic Beatles’ hits from the Twist and Shout days of Beatlemania, to the Fab Four’s ‘American Invasion’ and beyond.

“It’s a real Beatles’ party and it’s going to be another great night on the Fylde coast!”

The Mersey Beatles are part of a mega line-up for Lytham Festival 2018 which includes headline performances in the Lytham Green Main Arena from pop superstars Steps, DJ Pete Tong with the Heritage Orchestra conducted by Jules Buckley, award-winning musician George Ezra and singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé, legendary musician Nile Rodgers and his band CHIC and the world’s most successful classical crossover group Il Divo.

Tickets for The Mersey Beatles at Lowther Pavilion are on sale from www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk or www.lythamfestival.com or by calling 01253 794221.

Singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt will join James Arthur for his headline show at Scarborough Open Air Theatre.

The man behind such worldwide hits as ‘Impossible’ and ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’ is bringing his stunning live show to Europe’s largest open-air theatre on Thursday July 26.

Tickets are available from www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com

Nina, who enjoyed a whirlwind success with her 2014 album ‘Peroxide’, will open the show for James on what will be a not-to-be-missed gig.

Still only 23-years-old, Nina’s follow-up tracks ‘The Best You Had’, and ‘The Moments I’m Missing’ demonstrate a huge leap forward from her Top 15 debut album.

Nina’s pop and R&B-tinged sounds, blended with her own confessional songwriting, have been embraced by fans around the world including Hollywood royalty in the shape of Chloë Grace Moretz and Taylor Swift, who included ‘The Best You Had’ on her ‘favourite tracks’ Spotify and Apple playlists.

Under a new deal with Cooking Vinyl, these two tracks alone count for more than 25 million of her 85 million streams to date.

James Arthur is riding high following the huge success of his 2016 album ‘Back From The Edge’ which catapulted him back to the top of the charts and led to a string of sold-out live shows.

It is just five years since the Middlesbrough-born singer/songwriter became an overnight star when he won ITV’s X Factor. His debut single ‘Impossible’ became a worldwide hit – selling more than three million copies and hitting No.1 in 50 countries.

He was nominated for a Brit Award and his self-titled debut album, featuring the single ‘You’re Nobody Until Somebody Loves You’ and collaborations with Naughty Boy and Emeli Sandé, was certified Gold in the UK and sold 400,000 copies worldwide.

And last year James – who picked up two more Brit Award nominations in 2017 – capped his triumphant comeback by embarking on his first ever UK arena tour.

Tickets for all shows at Scarborough OAT are available from the Scarborough Open Air Theatre’s Box Office (01723 818111) via www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com and the Discover Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau (01723 383636).