IT could have been such a disappointment. Headliners Tears For Fears were forced to cancel just hours before they were due to take to the stage at Lytham Festival after singer Curt Smith suffered a rib injury.

But with ticketholders having swiftly been promised a full refund, the sun shone down and a little magic happened.

Effectively the two support acts got 'promoted' and didn't let anyone down.

 

Natalie Imbruglia at Lytham Festival (Picture: Rhoes Media/Cuffe and Taylor)

Natalie Imbruglia at Lytham Festival (Picture: Rhoes Media/Cuffe and Taylor)

 

Natalie Imbruglia skipped across the stage giving no clue that she was herself battling illness and produced a thoroughly enjoyable half hour set which showcased what a good pop voice she has.

It's hard to believe that it's 25 years since the Australian actress and singer released her debut album and the big single Torn remains as good as ever.

Thrust into the headliner slot, Alison Moyet looked a little shocked as she came on stage to see a massive crowd in front of her. Lytham was only her third live show in three years; her band was recovering from "the Covid" and yet she smashed it to use a phrase beloved of BBC presenters these days.

She looks sensational and that voice ... oh that voice!

 

Alison Moyet at Lytham Festival (Picture: Rhodes Media/Cuffe and Taylor)

Alison Moyet at Lytham Festival (Picture: Rhodes Media/Cuffe and Taylor)

 

We were treated to some of her more recent solo work including a chilling Beautiful Gun from her 2017 album Other.

But it was her early hits that turned Lytham Green into one big party. Nobody's Diary, Situation, Only You all from her time with Yazoo were sublime and a raucous Don't Go ended the hour-long set in style.

If you're thinking that an hour for a headliner doesn't sound that long, think again. Given the last minute changes - the band had a 45 minute set rehearsed and in Alison's words "busked" the rest but it was true quality over quantity.

And yes we did get All Cried Out sung twice and no-one cared. "I need to sing that again," said Alison. "I just drifted away there and missed out one of the lines."

We were also treated to Love Resurrection and My Best Day a song she co-wrote with Ian Broudie for The Lightning Seeds.

 

Alison Moyet at Lytham Festival (Picture: Rhodes Media/Cuffe and Taylor)

Alison Moyet at Lytham Festival (Picture: Rhodes Media/Cuffe and Taylor)

 

With a smile never off her face, it was clear she was having as much fun as the audience.

It may not have been the evening that anyone had planned but I doubt anyone would have changed it thanks to Alf.