Starsailor play to sold-out Wigan audience

The hugely popular band, who formed at Wigan and Leigh College, took to the stage at the Robin Park indoor sports arena, supported by fellow borough musicians, The Lottery Winners, who also went to the college.

Keyboardist Barry Westhead from Spring View led the band, as they performed some of their timeless classics.

The group, whose line-up is completed by Billinge-born frontman James Walsh, bassist James Stelfox and drummer Ben Byrne, were playing in Wigan for the first time in several years ahead of a busy schedule of festival slots this summer.

Barry said: “We’re always classed as a Wigan band and I love the town, the only reason I left was because my wife was from Manchester and we found neutral ground.

“It’s nice being back here, we’ve not done a Wigan gig at a big venue, the last time was at The Tavern pub and it was really full.”

Singer and guitarist James added: “I think it’s a shame Wigan isn’t really on the circuit so we’ve basically had to play Manchester or Liverpool.

“It’s great they’ve started using the sports hall because the town needs a great

venue.”

Starsailor shot to fame after meeting as music students in the borough with singles including Silence Is Easy and Four to the Floor taking their first two albums to the top of the charts.

The band sold more than three million albums but decided to split after their fourth release All The Plans in 2009 and went on a five-year

hiatus.