O2 Arena, London
This poptastic Capital Radio two-dayer features strong sets from Justin Bieber, Anne-Marie and JLS, but it’s Sheeran’s warmth and generosity of spirit that really captures the season
For many thousands of people, the festive season begins not with a visit to Father Christmas or popping an angel atop a tinselled tree, but with an explosion of dry ice and Roman Kemp bellowing “Make some noise!” Yes, it’s the annual two-night pop-fest that is Capital Radio’s Jingle Bell Ball, fully powered by the baubles-out, have-another-one-for-Santa attitude of the crowd.
That energy is needed, as Covid outbreaks have meant some big-name cancellations: Coldplay on Saturday night, and Lil Nas X and Mabel on Sunday. Justin Bieber therefore has an extended set on Saturday, which he performs with aplomb and in a denim jacket so large he could have smuggled in several puppies. Sorry brings the house down, though it’s Lonely, with its straight-from-the heart lyrics, which is the highlight. In support is pop-house star Jax Jones, who always goes fully tinsel-tastic: in 2019, this meant roller-skating Christmas puddings; this year Jones is dressed as a Gucci Santa, surrounded by giant robots, his eerie-yet-catchy dance bangers bringing a frenzied audience reaction.
