Entertainment

Ponchos and Pimm’s aplenty as Simply Red headline Live at Chelsea open-air gig

Simply Red were Wet Wet Wet as Mick Hucknall took to the Royal Hospital Chelsea stage in the pouring rain last month. 

Wet Wet Wet and Simply Red joined the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra for an open-air concert at the historic home of the Chelsea Pensioners this June.

Live at Chelsea ran from Friday June 17-Sunday June 19 with a portion of ticket sales going towards funding the care of the retired soldiers living at the Royal Hospital.

Frontman Hucknall put on a stellar performance to his adoring fans who were worming their way to front despite the typically-British persistent rain.

Fans jumped, swayed and sang along to Simply Red classics including It’s Only Love, Something Got Me Started and Say You Love Me.

Singer-songwriter Ben Montague had already warmed up the crowd with hits from his albums titled Overcome, Tales of Flying and Falling and Back into Paradise having previously supported Simply Red in Brighton last year.

The hospital itself was founded by King Charles II in 1682 and is home to the Chelsea Pensioners — 300 retired soldiers.

Andy Hickling, MBE, director of estates, facilities, commercial & quartermaster at the Royal Chelsea Hospital said: “The historic home is one of London’s architectural gems and offers a stunning backdrop to the world-class artists.”

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