Council thanks Ella for homecoming show and says more good things to come

North East Lincolnshire Council’s lead member for the visitor economy would like to publicly thank Ella for returning to her roots for a sensational summer’s evening gig last Friday in front of hundreds of her fans.

Cllr Hayden Dawkins, NELC Cabinet leader for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “It was amazing to see Ella Henderson back in Cleethorpes. We are thrilled that a local girl with her now global appeal took the time to come back to her home town and reward her fans.

“Her appearance helps to put our Meridian Showground on the map, and our ambition is to attract more artists of this calibre into Cleethorpes.”

Tetney-born Ella’s homecoming show attracted fans of all ages. The 29-year-old rose to fame following her appearance on The X Factor in 2012, and this was her first concert here for more than 10 years.

The evening also saw support acts Ryan Swain, Sam Simmons, Eden Rae Lake and Jax Jones on stage. As fans screamed their approval, Ella told them: "Thank you for coming and giving me a warm welcome back home because there is nothing better than being home.

"I was honestly so nervous. It's one thing doing it around the country, around the world, but coming back where you're from! I used to walk on the seafront growing up as a little girl collecting shells literally beyond those trees with my mum, so it feels very bizarre being on the stage doing this, but I'm very excited to be here.

"Tonight there are so many people here and so many familiar faces of people that I love and adore, and I wouldn't be up on this stage without them."

The award-winning artist performed a packed set of her hits, including React, Let's Go Home Together, Alibi, 0800 Heaven and her latest single, Filthy Rich. She closed the show with chart-topping single Ghost, accompanied by fireworks.

The Meridian Showground had no time to waste after the show, as The Gathering Fest then returned on Saturday featuring five arenas, 60 acts, food & stalls, a VIP Arena and 10 hours of fantastic music.

Next month, the annual DocksFest returns to Meridian on July 5 with another great line up, headlined by The Charlatans and hosted by Lloyd Griffith. https://docksfest.seetickets.com/event/docksfest/meridian-showground-cleethorpes/3123605?src=docksfest-website

Ride Rock Roll will take place on Saturday July 19 (Brazilian ju jitzsu event and metal music, website here Ride Rock Roll – RIDE ROCK ROLL

Then on Saturday August 2, look out for Everybody loves the Sunshine (soul, jazz, funk music event) https://www.everybodylovesthesunshine.co.uk/

Cllr Dawkins said: “The momentum continues in Cleethorpes. We have a fabulous showground and its appeal is increasing to attract more established acts to the resort. On a summer’s evening like last Friday with an international act like Ella performing, where else would you want to be!”

For more information on events at the Meridian showground and to book tickets go to:
https://discovernortheastlincolnshire.co.uk/things-to-do/entertainment-and-arts/meridian-showground-events/