Olly Murs closing the Big Top (Photo: Beth Stimpson)
The final day of Rock N Roll Circus was one for the memory books, and Olly Murs made sure of it. Bounding onto the Big Top stage with trademark charisma, he kicked things off with the upbeat Marry Me and You Don’t Know Love, instantly pulling the crowd into his orbit. The tent became a chorus of voices as Dance With Me Tonight and Troublemaker turned into full-scale singalongs, proving Olly’s knack for transforming pop hits into communal celebrations.
But the night’s most poignant moment came when he performed Dear Darlin’, introducing it as a tribute to his late friend and colleague Caroline Flack. The atmosphere shifted—phones lit up the Big Top in a sea of stars as Olly’s voice cracked with emotion, reminding everyone that joy and sorrow can sit side by side in live music.
Adding another hit of pop nostalgia, Blue had the crowd belting out All Rise, One Love, and Guilty, their harmonies as tight as ever and their easy chemistry igniting waves of cheers from front to back. It was a set that reminded fans exactly why the four-piece remain one of Britain’s most beloved boybands.
Earlier in the evening, Pixie Lott shimmered with soulful pop vocals, revisiting favourites like Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh) and All About Tonight. Artful Dodger spun nostalgia into the mix with a garage masterclass, while Scouting for Girls sent the crowd bouncing to She’s So Lovely and This Ain’t a Love Song. Jamie Lawson melted hearts with Wasn’t Expecting That, and Sam Fischer proved himself a powerhouse with This City.
Among the fresh faces, Macie Nyah made her mark not only with sparkling pop numbers but also with a clever personal touch—throwing custom-made love-heart sweets into the crowd, each stamped with her Instagram handle. “A sweet bribe to follow me,” she joked, and judging by the cheers (and phones pulled out instantly), it worked. Charlie Floyd brought his unique style of Indie pop to the Electric Carousell stage. Afterdrive, and Suffolk’s Nina Arya kept the local fire burning bright, each leaving their stamp on a packed day that celebrated both star power and grassroots talent.
By the time Olly closed with Wrapped Up and a reprise of Dance With Me Tonight, confetti rained down on a crowd that didn’t want the night—or the festival—to end. It was a finale that balanced stadium-sized fun with a heartfelt tribute, sealing Rock N Roll Circus as one of Norwich’s unmissable summer moments.
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.
