Miles Kane and Arkayla to join Paul Weller at Summer Sessions festival
Miles Kane and Arkayla will join Paul Weller when he returns to the region this summer.
The ‘Modfather’ is due to headline Bedford Park in July as part of the town’s Summer Sessions series and organisers have this week revealed support acts for the gig.
Miles Kane is a razor-sharp singer-songwriter with a flair for timeless British rock. Blending punchy guitar hooks, stylish melodies and a swagger all his own, he’s built a career that nods to classic influences while sounding effortlessly modern.
Whether solo or as one half of The Last Shadow Puppets, Miles Kane brings charisma, attitude and unmistakable cool to every track.
Rising Manchester band Arkayla will arrive with serious momentum, having burst onto the scene with a string of acclaimed singles and dynamic, sell-out live shows.
Praised by CLASH, 1883, Earmilk, Radio X’s John Kennedy and BBC Radio London’s Gary Crowley, their sound weaves layered guitar textures with vivid, emotive lyrics. Drawing from a broad range of influences, Arkayla’s immersive, dream-leaning style marks them out as an exciting new name to watch.
All will play the venue on Sunday, July 5.
The gig will be Weller’s first in the town since his sold-out show in 2022.
Over the course of a career that extends back five decades, the songs of Paul Weller are woven into the tapestry of British music.
His body of work stands comparison with formative heroes such as John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ray Davies – a canon that takes in a total of 28 studio albums.
He formed The Jam with Bruce Foxton (bass) and Rick Buckler (drums) and achieved instant success with their 1977 debut single In The City.
After dissolving The Jam at the peak of their powers, Weller – still only 22 – swiftly re-emerged alongside keyboard player Mick Talbot in The Style Council.
The duo’s lineup would expand to take in drummer Steve White and vocalist Dee C. Lee, resulting in a string of hits that included Shout To The Top and My Ever Changing Moods.
As a solo artist, Weller forged his own path with acclaimed albums including Wild Wood and Stanley Road, which helped shape a new era of British guitar music.
His creative restlessness has continued into the 21st century with records like 22 Dreams, On Sunset, and his latest album 66 (2024).
Tickets are on sale now and cost 66.55 before fees via www.smmrsessions.com/locations/bedford. Four day passes are also available
Aside from Paul Weller’s headline gig, Deacon Blue will headline Bedford Park on July 2, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell on July 3 and Tom Grennan on July 4.