McFly at Rock N Roll Circus Norwich - Photo Credit Beth Stimpson
Under the sweeping canopy of the Big Top, McFly ignited Rock N Roll Circus with a set that blended nostalgia, spectacle, and full-throttle energy. The evening’s anthem kicked off with the iconic YMCA intro, setting the tone for a fun-fuelled, hour-and-a-half run through their fan-favourite catalogue.
From there, the boys tore into Where Did All the Guitars Go? and Land of the Bees, before Star Girl sent front-row fans into joyous pogo mode. “Norwich, you’re our circus tonight!” grinned Danny Jones, leading seamlessly into That Girl, One for the Radio, and a singalong-ready I Wanna Hold You. The tender chords of Obviously and I’ll Be OK slowed the pace briefly—offering a moment of warmth before the adrenaline surged back with Transylvania.
An unexpected highlight arrived in the form of a dazzling medley—Everybody Knows, Livin’ on a Prayer, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Radio Ga Ga and Twist and Shout—delivered with playful showmanship, soul, and wild audience participation. The band then swept through Happiness, Room on the 3rd Floor, All About You, Shine a Light, and Red, building the momentum toward a euphoric finale. They closed with an encore tightly wrapped around Forever’s Not Enough, Honey I’m Home, and the perfect pop-rock punctuation: 5 Colours in Her Hair.
Earlier in the evening, Sam Ryder brought star-studded energy, transitioning from Space Man to a spine-tingling Queen cover. The Lottery Winners served their infectious indie-pop charm, The Hoosiers delivered Worried About Ray and Goodbye Mr A, and Rianne Downey captured hearts with soulful storytelling.
Opening the Big Top, Mama Oh No delivered a smouldering slice of cinematic soul-rock gold. Fronted by Jack Gascoigne (vocals & guitar), with Issy on bass, Tordi on vocals, keys, and omnichord, and Rhi Swift on drums, the Norfolk quartet exuded swampy charm and retro soul flair. Jack’s raw, haunting howl enveloped the tent in emotive warmth, while Tordi’s shimmering keyboard textures and omnichord runs transported the crowd to a smoky, 60s-inflected dreamscape. Izzy’s melodic basslines throbbed beneath it all, grounding the set in irresistible groove, and Rhi’s taut, dynamic drumming propelled each song forward. Together, they crafted a set that felt equal parts film noir soundtrack and euphoric festival moment — a hypnotic blend that lingered long after the final note. Mama Oh No definitely suite the bigger stage.
Meanwhile, over at the Electric Carousel stage, Deco brought sleek synth-pop beats, Dolder brought polished, emotionally rich songs about love, growing pains, and self-discovery that had the crowd swaying and singing back. Lady of Mars energized the crowd with guitar-laden anthems, The High Points injected funk into the afternoon, Caswell served soulful vocals, and local heroes Youth Killed It stoked the early fires with swagger.
By the time night fell, day one had already set an explosive, high-spun tone — music, emotion, and magic all mixed beneath the Big Top.
Pop Scoop founder and editor. Ex showbiz/tech editor at the Cyprus Mail. Former sub-editor at Archant. Former art director Sky TV. Co-founder of Kool Magazine and freelanced for the BBC, Channel 4, Warner Bros and the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation.
