As the final rays of sun glint off Plymouth Sound, Summer Sessions returns to the Sound Shell for its grand finale. On Sunday 15 June, four acts—rising singer-songwriter Grace Lightman, Dublin-born rockers Somebody’s Child, Wigan’s indie breakout The Lathums and headliners Snow Patrol guided The Hoe through a daylong journey from intimate storytelling to arena-sized anthems.
Originally from London, Grace Lightman has anchored herself in Plymouth’s scene since the summer of 2019. Writing and performing under her own name and the extraterrestrial alter-ego “Silver Eater,” she explores themes of humanity and alienation with art-pop soundscapes. Her debut solo album ‘Silver Eater’ lands on 19 July via Handsome Dad Records, following singles like “Drag Island” that blend hypnotic synths with lyric-driven intimacy.
Whispered Beginnings Soft as a summer breeze, as she opened the proceedings with her trademark blend of dream-pop serenity and introspective lyricism. Clad in muted earth tones, she coaxed hushed oohs from the crowd as she weaved through “Drag Island,” its airy guitar lines melting into the sea breeze. By the time she arrived at the title track of her 2019 release, Silver Eater, the audience was rapt—eyes half-closed, swaying in unison. Grace’s set felt less like a performance and more like an invitation to pause, breathe, and let Plymouth’s coastal calm seep into your bones.
Fronted by Cian Godfrey, Dublin’s Somebody’s Child deliver soulful, melody-driven rock rooted in early 2000s indie but leavened with 80s post-punk warmth. After supporting The War On Drugs and Bloc Party—and even headlining BST’s second stage—they’re poised to unveil new acoustic-piano textures from their forthcoming second album ‘When Youth Fades Away’. Their live shows fuse earnest storytelling with stadium-sized hooks.
The stage lights brightened for Somebody’s Child, the Irish five-piece grinning beneath their ‘90s-themed backdrop’. With three guitarists locked in seamless interplay, each chord felt lush and expansive. Tracks like “Broken Record” shimmered with melodic hooks, while newer cuts hinted at a band growing bolder in their sonic palette. Their debut in Plymouth was met with open arms, the crowd’s applause swelling with genuine warmth. If you missed their South West debut, make a point to catch them next time—they’re proof that indie pop can be as heartfelt as it is dance-floor ready.
Formed in Wigan in 2018 by Alex Moore (vocals/guitar), Scott Concepcion (lead guitar), Matty Murphy (bass) and Ryan Durrans (drums), The Lathums exploded onto the scene with their No. 1 debut ‘How Beautiful Life Can Be’ in 2021. Signed to Island Records within a year of formation, their jangly, hook-laden indie rock has carried them from college-house rehearsals to headlining major UK festivals. Expect polished anthems and raw early singles like “Crying Out” to light up The Hoe.
The Lathums charged onstage, kicks and cymbals igniting the crowd into a raucous singalong. Their latest album, Matters Do Not Define, supplied fresh ammunition—anthemic riffs and cheeky vocal hooks that coaxed everyone into unified chants. But it was older favourites like “How Beautiful Life Can Be” that truly set the night ablaze, the audience’s voices echoing off the waterfront. Mid-set, frontman Alex swayed into “Make Peace Not War,” and the sea of arms overhead spelled out solidarity in neon light. There’s conversion power in a song like that; if you haven’t yet been swept up by The Lathums, consider this your official invitation.
Since forming as Dundee students in 1994, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly and Johnny McDaid have evolved from post-Britpop hopefuls into alt-rock superstars with Snow Patrol. Their breakthrough came with ‘Final Straw’ (2003), and the Chasing Cars–powered juggernaut ‘Eyes Open’ (2006) became the UK’s best-selling British album of the year. With seven studio albums under their belt—and their 2024 LP ‘The Forest Is the Path’ debuting at No. 1 the band will close out Summer Sessions with sweeping crescendos and poignant singalongs.
When they strode onto the stage, the crowd had at least doubled—proof that when you promise anthems, Plymouth shows up. The familiar opening chords of “Run” triggered a spine-tingling singalong, and for one chorus, frontman Gary Lightbody stepped back, letting the audience steer the ship. It was a tender moment, a reminder that live music is a shared heartbeat. The band navigated a freestyle detour mid-set with good humour—“to err is human,” the crowd seemed to say in unison. And then came “Chasing Cars,” starting as a whisper before blossoming into a full-throated explosion of drums, guitars, and genuine emotion. Two encore tracks—quiet reflection in “What If This Is All the Love You Ever Get?” followed by the joyous stomp of “Just Say Yes”—sealed the deal. Exiting The Hoe, faces were lit with that post-gig glow: the blissful aftershock of communal catharsis.
From intimate songwriting to full-scale singalongs, Summer Sessions 2025 promised a finale that mirrors every shade of the Plymouth skyline. The series of four incredible events created some onstage magic, the crowd-charged moments and the performances that made Summer Sessions unforgettable, see you in 2026!
Words Steve Muscutt
Pictures Julian Baird
