Something got '˜em started as Simply Red wow Doncaster race day

Simply Red perform at Doncaster Racecourse, United Kingdom on 13 August 2016. Photo by Glenn Ashley Photography

Mick Hucknall and his band serenaded Doncaster on the big stage on Saturday night with hit after hit for a packed crowd.

Thousands packed the space in front of the grandstands at the Town Moor venue under bright sun for the latest high profile gig at the venue.

The band took to the stage shortly 6pm and started a run through their back catalogue of hits.

Tracks which the band belted out included Stars, If you don’t known me by now, Fairground, Something Got Me Started , Holding Back the Years, and Fairground.

While the singer may have been performing for some of the songs for over 30 years, his voice still impressed the packed venue.

Mick Hucknall took to the stage wearing a dark grey shirt, and black trousers.

His six-strong backing band matched him, dressed in similar outfits.

After kicking off with Holding back the Years, the group went through decades of hits from a range of albums.

They belted out tunes until after 7.30pm.

One delighted fan said: “He may not look just as he did when he first started out, but he certainly sounded exactly like he did all those years ago.

“The songs were note perfect, completely faithful to the records.”

The weekend show attracted a big crowd of locals from Doncaster, but also brought in music fans from further afield, with fans arriving from across Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

Simply Red were the latest in a list of big name acts to take to the stage at the Racecourse, which has become a major pop venue in the borough.

This year, the roll of honour at Town Moor has seen iconic names including Tom Jones, Level 42, Will Young, with Vernon Kay and Craig Charles also making appearances as DJs.

That followed on from the success last year of big name 1980s groups including Madness, UB40, and Spandau Ballet.

Organisers expect more big name artists to perform at the venue next year, with the shows now a regular feature on the social calendar.

Next month will see more big crowds at the Racecourse, with the St Leger.