VIDEO: Minor incidents didn't stop sun shining on Big Gig

Monday 17 July 2017

X-Factor superstar Olly Murs thanked concert-goers for coming along as he closed one of Jersey’s largest music festivals with a feast of retro tunes and firework sparkle this weekend.

During his Big Gig set, the TV personality addressed parents with the message, “Thank you for coming out tonight. We will not be defeated by these sick people” – a reference to the spate of UK terror attacks, which had prompted the festival to increase security in response.

The television ‘cheeky chappy’ graced the stage with a selection of melodies old and new at Saturday’s Big Gig, continuing the force of 80s legends Holly Johnson and Kim Wilde at Friday’s Legends in the Park.

With a series of energetic moves – including the infamous funky chicken – the pop singer launched into a medley of funk, disco and 90s classics, darting from 'Superstitious' to Justin Timberlake and Gala’s ‘Freed from Desire’ in a high-energy mash-up.

Video: A selection of songs from pop king Olly Murs, who went out, literally, with a bang.

Fans were also treated to his chart-topping hits 'Dance With Me Tonight' and 'Heart Skips A Beat'.

Mr Murs followed a bill including rising stars Five After Midnight, Calum Scott and 2015 X-Factor winner Louisa Johnson, with whom he shared a duet to their joint summer hit ‘Unpredictable’.

19-year-old Johnson, who got crowds moving with Mexican waves, told Express that Jersey had been one of her favourite audiences so far during her summer tour, and that she had enjoyed the opportunity to visit the “beautiful” Island.

She added that dance anthem ‘Tears’ had been her favourite anthem, as it had got the thousands-strong troop of pop fans up and dancing.

Video: Express caught up with Louisa Johnson about all things music festivals this summer.

The eight-year-old family event was largely hailed as a success by attendees and security officials alike.

In a post on social media, the St Helier Honorary Police said that they were “pleased” to have made only two arrests at the event – both of which were alcohol-related.

Design company Lab-6 reported on social media that a member of the public had entered their tent during the night and stolen bags of Olly Murs wristbands and keyrings, and boxes of glowsticks, which they said was, “…not really worth much to anyone except us.”

Lovely Evening at the #SureBigGig pic.twitter.com/pOQv6h5PSe

— States of Jsy Police (@JerseyPolice) July 15, 2017

The incident has not yet been formally reported to the Police, with the company hoping that the perpetrator will come forward in the interim.

Despite the few incidents, islanders were full of praise for the family friendly event. One tweeted: "Best gig I've ever been at 10/10 would go again !!"

"Such a great day/night! Thanks for a great time!!" another said.