The Jockey Club Live summer series returned to Haydock Park Racecourse on Friday 8th August with a night dedicated to pure pop and dance energy, headlined by the unstoppable Becky Hill. Support came from new artist Mia Kirkland, who took to the stage in the early evening sunshine for a set that marked a major moment in her blossoming career. As racegoers drifted from the stands toward the stage after the final race, the warm summer glow and festival-like atmosphere made it the perfect backdrop for a musical photo finish to a day of action.
Mia Kirkland’s seven-song set was a confident and heartfelt introduction to a talent on the rise. Mia, signed to Sony Records, opened with Enemies, quickly finding her stride and pulling in the growing crowd with her smooth, emotive delivery. Leave It All Behind and Underscore revealed her knack for melody and storytelling, while Right Now and Indescribable showcased the range and clarity of her vocals. Before closing with the infectiously cheeky I Just Called Your Ex, Mia paused to thank the Haydock audience for giving her such a warm welcome, clearly moved by the chance to make her mark on such a big stage. She may still be at the starting gate of her career, but this performance proved she’s one to watch on the pop scene.
Then it was time for the main event. Becky Hill burst onto the stage with True Colours, a recent hit recorded alongside Self Esteem, her vocals ringing out over the racecourse with a force and clarity that immediately set the pace. Backed by a slick live band and bathed in golden light, she powered through an unrelenting setlist of hits, each one met with a wave of cheers and phones held aloft. The run of Crazy What Love Can Do, Piece Of Me and False Alarm turned the sunny Haydock evening into a giant open-air dancefloor, while Back And Forth and Gecko (Overdrive) brought a house music intensity that had even the back rows off and running.
What made the evening even more memorable was the crowd itself, a lively mix of all ages, from dedicated Becky fans to racegoers happily swept up in the post-race party. Drinks were flowing, sunglasses were still on despite the lowering sun, and the infield pulsed with energy from front to back. Many racegoers were merry and in high spirits after a full day’s racing, and every drop, chorus, and beat drop was met with hands in the air, turning the usually sedate turf into something more like Ibiza on a summer Saturday. It was a reminder of how live music can transform a space, and how Becky knows exactly how to work a crowd to maximum effect.
The energy never dipped, but Becky also knew when to rein things in. Outside Of Love and Afterglow provided moments of intimacy, her voice raw and rich against minimal backing. Then came a string of fan favourites— Disconnect, Lose Control and My Heart Goes (La Di Da)—before she dropped Surrender, her 2025 release that proved an absolute hit on the night, a real banger that had the crowd singing and jumping in unison. From there, she charged into the euphoric one-two of Swim and Wish You Well before sending everyone home with Remember, crossing the finish line in emphatic style and leaving the Haydock crowd smiling, singing, and still buzzing long after the last note faded.
It’s been a packed summer schedule for Hill, who has barely left the stage since spring, playing headline shows across Europe and now preparing for major slots at Reading and Leeds. More than a decade since first turning heads as a finalist on The Voice, Becky has proved she’s far more than a TV talent show graduate, she’s a seasoned live performer at the top of her game, with the stamina to keep the pace in even the busiest touring season.
With her unmistakable voice, boundless energy, and knack for commanding a stage, Becky Hill once again proved she’s top of the form when it comes to live performance. The combination of her powerhouse vocals, the sun-soaked racecourse atmosphere, and a flawless setlist made for a night that was a clear winner in every respect. And with new talent like Mia Kirkland stepping confidently into the paddock, the future of British pop feels as bright as the Haydock sunset that crowned this unforgettable summer evening.
Words and photos by Ben Whitehurst (Instagram)
