Home   What's On   News   Article

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds perform huge hits on the Kent coast at Dreamland, Margate

There aren’t many people who don’t know Oasis.

Whether it’s belting out Wonderwall after a few drinks or blasting Rock ‘n’ Roll Star at full volume, we’ve all got a favourite.

Noel Gallagher performs a spectacular summer concert at Dreamland in Margate. Picture: Sam Lawrie
Noel Gallagher performs a spectacular summer concert at Dreamland in Margate. Picture: Sam Lawrie

It’s no surprise, then, that when we arrive at Margate seafront and head into Dreamland we’re joined by crowds of fans flooding in to see a Britpop legend perform the band’s greatest hits.

Since Oasis split, Noel Gallagher has also topped the charts with his High Flying Birds.

Tonight, we’re expecting a healthy dose of hits from both chapters of the musician’s impressive career - which is exactly what he delivers.

Crowds gather to see the iconic musician perform his biggest hits. Picture: Sam Lawrie
Crowds gather to see the iconic musician perform his biggest hits. Picture: Sam Lawrie

Walking on stage with the casual confidence of someone who has done this countless times, Noel and his band warm up the crowd with Fort Knox before properly kickstarting the night with the high-energy Holy Mountain.

Noel’s music is the more mellow and melodic of the Gallagher brothers’, which sets a perfect tone for this picturesque outdoor venue.

As the sun sets and the striking ferris wheel lights up, songs It’s a Beautiful World and Dead in the Water satisfy both the eyes and ears.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have topped the UK album charts four times. Picture: Sam Lawrie
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have topped the UK album charts four times. Picture: Sam Lawrie

It’s fair to say that the crowd - which Noel says has the least number of bucket hats of any he’s ever seen - have calmed down since Oasis were at their peak almost 30 years ago.

However, there are still moments of exuberance and vivacity, especially with Keep On Reaching’s fun brass section Black Star Dancing’s toe-tapping riffs.

Noel then pauses for a second and asks if anyone here is a fan of Britpop, to which he is met with a unified roar from the audience.

Britpop proves as popular as ever. Picture: Sam Lawrie
Britpop proves as popular as ever. Picture: Sam Lawrie

He quickly launches into Little By Little, and there is a shift in the atmosphere as the Oasis hits come thick and fast.

The Importance of Being Idle has people clapping and punching the air with gusto, while Half the World Away and Stop Crying Your Heart Out invoke heart-warming singalongs that echo throughout the venue.

Wonderwall, which is dedicated to a very lucky Pauline in the crowd who travelled from Manchester to be here, is a special moment. It’s our rock ‘n’ roll national anthem, and we all sing it with pride.

The encore is a mix of numbers from Noel’s back catalogue.

If I Had a Gun… is quietly beautiful and rings out as the last of the sunlight disappears, while AKA… What a Life is larger-than-life, punchy and a great way to send his solo songs out with a bang.

Rounding up the night is the impeccable Don’t Look Back in Anger, which is a personal favourite of mine. I’m not ashamed to admit I belt out every word, along with every single person here.

Noel Gallagher and his band take a bow at the end of their headline set at Dreamland. Picture: Sam Lawrie
Noel Gallagher and his band take a bow at the end of their headline set at Dreamland. Picture: Sam Lawrie

And, finally, a joyous cover of Bob Dylan’s Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) sends us on our way.

The fans file out in as much of a flurry as they entered, perhaps a little more booze-soaked than before, but in high spirits after seeing their hero perform a setlist of mammoth hits.

It's been almost 30 years since Oasis were at their peak, but fans still love the music. Picture: Sam Lawrie
It's been almost 30 years since Oasis were at their peak, but fans still love the music. Picture: Sam Lawrie

The crowds perhaps aren’t as rowdy as they once were, but they are no less appreciative of Noel Gallagher and his undeniable influence on British music.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More