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The soul star will appear as part of the stellar Back to Boogie Concert on the opening night of the music weekend at Arley Hall in Cheshire this May.

Simon, who has enjoyed a prolific music career spanning more than six decades, has been Hot Chocolate’s lead singer and keyboard player for the past 15 years, during which time he has toured the globe with the legendary band – to widespread acclaim.

And he brings his velvety vocal tones to the iconic British group’s many hits including the chart-topping So You Win Again and crowd pleasers like You Sexy Thing, Everyone’s A Winner, It Started with a Kiss, Brother Louie, Love is Life and I Gave You my Heart (Didn’t I?).

This year’s Live at Arley takes place on Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 May, with audiences promised amazing live performances from superstar performers along with delicious food and drink offers which include Knutsford favourite April’s Kitchen.

Meanwhile Discover Knutsford has officially partnered with this year’s event with the festival promoting the historic market town and its brilliant selection of businesses including a thriving independent shopping sector and busy bar, restaurant and café scene across its audiences over the weekend.

The Live at Arley weekend kicks off on Saturday, 17 May with the Back to Boogie Concert.

The line-up for the unmissable concert is headlined by Boney M, with the 70s disco icons celebrating their 50th anniversary. And in addition to Kennie Simon, they will also appear alongside US chart-toppers Odyssey and Liverpool soul legends The Real Thing.

Boney M ruled the 70s with a string of unforgettable global hits including Rivers of Babylon, Rasputin, Daddy Cool, Brown Girl in the Ring, Gotta Go Home and many more.

Led by the original founder, the irrepressible Maizie Williams, the group’s unmistakable cocktail of pop, disco and reggae is still shaking up dancefloors throughout the world. With a golden run of timeless songs under their belts, Boney M deliver ‘a world of fun for everyone’, magically transporting listeners back in time to the heady days of glitter balls, flares, big hair and even bigger heels.

Odyssey rose to fame in the late 1970s. Known for their mellow harmonies and infectious grooves, the group achieved global success with the breakout 1977 hit Native New Yorker, an enduring disco classic. Other chart-topping singles include the anthem Going Back to My Roots and the soulful Use It up and Wear it Out which reached number one in the UK.

With a unique blend of disco, soul and funk, Odyssey remains a beloved icon of the dance music era.

British soul and disco group The Real Thing completes the Saturday night line-up. The group, formed in Liverpool in 1972, is renowned for its smooth vocals and timeless hits and became one of the UK’s most successful souls acts of the 70s and 80s with its 1976 smash hit You to Me are Everything topping the charts and remaining a soul classic.

Other notable hits include Can’t Get by Without You, and the socially conscious Children of the Ghetto.

The weekend concert series continues on Sunday evening with a magnificent Proms and anniversary concert headlined by Salford-born superstar singer Russell Watson – crowned the UK’s best-selling classical artist of all time – who is celebrating 25 years since the release of his landmark debut album The Voice.

Watson’s concert will feature a selection of much-loved tracks from the album alongside rousing Proms favourites and stirring anthems, and he will be supported by a host of incredible musicians and singers from brass and pipe bands to 100-strong local choirs such as the Rock Choir Cheshire and the Northwich Musical Theatre Choir both featuring on the Main Stage at the event.

Concertgoers on both days will be able to choose from a fantastic selection of food and drink at the Live at Arley site.

Well known Cheshire eatery April’s Kitchen will have a pop up at the weekend, with the Knutsford-based offering tasty treats on site, while Birchwood Pizzas will also be on hand with handcrafted, artisan pizzas coming straight from its wood-fired oven.

New for 2025, the outdoor concerts will also feature a special Premium Experience – operated by popular Knutsford bar Dexter & Jones – which includes a private seating area, in-house bar with premium waiter service, premium toilets, a dedicated entrance and VIP parking. And there will also be the opportunity to book your own gazebo pitch for the event.

Corporate and private party marquees are also available.

And guests can also bring their own picnics to the event, as well as being able to choose from additional food and drink stalls on site throughout the weekend.

Event organizer Max Eden, of Cheshire Concerts, says: “I’m really pleased to announce Kennie Simon is appearing in the Back to Boogie Concert. We’ve got an amazing line-up for this year’s Live at Arley, and I know music fans are going to have a memorable evening with so many great acts on one bill.

“It’s also great to welcome back Russell Watson for a second year. He was a big hit with our audience in 2024 and, like Boney M, he’s also celebrating a special anniversary in 2025. It should be quite a night.

“Alongside the music, we’ve assembled a brilliant selection of food and drink offers including April’s Kitchen, and I’m delighted we’re working with the Dexter & Jones team to create a really amazing Premium Experience on the site.”

Tickets, including Premium Experience tickets, for Live at Arley are on sale now at www.cheshireconcerts.com/arley

Website:         www.cheshireconcerts.com/arley

LISTING INFORMATION

Saturday 17 May 2025 – BACK TO BOOGIE CONCERT with Boney M, Odyssey, Kennie Simon and The Real Thing

Sunday 18 May 2025 – Proms with RUSSELL WATSON

At Arley Hall, Arley, Northwich, CW9 6NA

Evening concerts (Saturday and Sunday) – gates open 4pm / Show starts 6pm

Both events finish at approx 10pm.

TICKET PRICES

Both concerts: £44.80 for adults/£19.60 for 5-16s/£84 Premium Experience/ £84 Gazebo pitch

*ticket prices include booking fees

HOW TO BOOK

Online: www.cheshireconcerts.com/arley

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