A rainy night in Cheshire wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits as Sugababes surprised shoppers with a free gig.
The 00s pop icons were the secret headliners for Friday night’s car park gig celebrating the 30th anniversary of Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
Over 3,000 shoppers, residents and more flocked to the retail park where a special stage had been set up for an evening of entertainment.
The show was non-ticketed, with anyone wanting to join in the fun simply ushered through security and able to join in the fun.
Pussycat Dolls star Kimberly Wyatt got things started with an energetic DJ set before introducing Take That’s Howard Donald graced the stage for the next hour.
After that, it was time for Sugababes to grace the stage as a ray of sunshine with the rain pouring down.
They delivered an incredible hit-filled set to get everyone dancing and singing along, with classics like Round Round, Overload, Freak Like Me and Ugly.
Their live band kept the energy up as the beloved girl group – made up of founding members Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy – thanked the fans for sticking around in the rain.
They were loving the unique setting, with a stage put up in a car park in the middle of the shopping outlet.
‘More of this,’ they shouted about the idea of a free surprise gig.
After more hits including Push The Button, they rounded off the gig with a punchy, heavier version of About You Now with the crowd singing back every word.
There was a golden circle area for team members and local charity partners, although partway through Howard’s DJ set, the barriers were taken down to bring everyone closer to the stage.
Sugababes were eventually brought out to huge cheers, and delivered a special show for everyone in attendance.
Kenny Murray, General Manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: ‘We promised something special, and the reaction from the crowd said it all.
‘The Sugababes were the perfect surprise to mark this milestone and having Howard and Kimberly on the decks as well certainly made it a night to remember.
‘This was about celebrating both our community and our customers, and the incredible journey we’ve been on together over the last three decades.’
Cheshire Oaks, at 400,000 square feet and 165+ resident brands, is the largest designer outlet in the UK.
It’s celebrating its 30th anniversary all year, with this event being a ‘thank you’ to the locals.
It also highlighted charity partners like The Hospice of The Good Shepherd, Koala, Flynns Port in the Storm and Claire House.
For more information on future celebratory events at Cheshire Oaks, visit: Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet | Up to 60% Less | McArthurGlen
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