The epicentre of the celebrations, the St. James’ Gate complex also saw the biggest crowd turnout on the night and they were treated to almost four hours of music of dizzying variety from some of the biggest names around. Following the tea-time toast to, “you know who” first up on the big stage was the ever popular Paolo Nutini – an Arthur’s Day veteran by now – who hit the ground running with a skanking version of ‘10/10’, his band, complete with punchy brass section, sounding as smooth as the creamy pints in this vast building. Perfect for a party occasion, Nutini delivered the hits, in a shortish set that included ‘Pencil Full Of Lead’ , ‘Jenny Don’t Be Hasty’ and the gorgeous ‘Candy’ (he would do it all again later on a much smaller scale at the Brazen Head).
Leaders Of Men, worthy winners of the Arthur’s Day 'Play On The Day' competition were next up and, despite the fact that they were a relatively unknown quantity, they rose to the occasion magnificently. Frontman Brian Ashe is a natural on the big stage and if things go their way they could be in for future glory.
Meanwhile “surprise” guests on the night, The Saturdays brought some extra glamour to the occasion and did their girl-group thing in style to a tumultuous response.
Headliners Stereophonics have been quiet of late, but the Welsh wonders have always been hugely popular in this country (they headlined Slane, lest we forget) and were greeted like returning heroes. Kelly Jones doesn’t appear to have aged a day since they first hit in the mid-'90s while their epic indie pop hasn’t changed all that much either. They delivered the hits with their usual swagger to a huge response from the crowd. And what hits; ‘Have A Nice Day’, ‘The Bartender And The Thief’, and ‘Dakota’ sounded as fresh as the day they were released.