THE Lottery Winners have described their homecoming show as a night they will “never forget”, praising fans for an overwhelming outpouring of support.
In an emotional message after the gig, the Leigh band said they had been left stunned by the atmosphere and admitted they had “not slept a wink” following the performance.
Frontman Thom Rylance wrote that he had “never felt such a powerful punch of love” and thanked fans for backing the band on their journey following the concert at Leigh Sports Village
“Thank you isn’t enough, but let’s start there,” he said. “Thank you for carrying us all this way. Thank you for making us feel special. Thank you for making all of this feel proper.”
The band paid tribute to those who helped bring the large-scale event together, acknowledging the trust placed in them to headline such a major hometown show.
“Thank you to the grown-ups who trusted us with such a mammoth thing,” he added. “Absolutely stupid that you let us do that, but I hope we made you proud.”
Reflecting on sharing the moment with his bandmates, Rylance spoke of his pride in seeing “my best mates on the planet literally living their dream”.
He also reserved special praise for the Leigh crowd, calling the town “our home, our people” and insisting “nobody does it better”.
The message concluded with a wider reflection on the band’s rise, adding: “Last night was proof that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.
“Lottery Winners are massive.”
The sold-out show marked one of the biggest nights in the band’s career to date and cemented their status as one of the area’s most successful musical exports.
Fans have praised The Lottery Winners’ homecoming shows as “outstanding” and “unbeLEIGHvable”.
Writing on social media, many described the gigs as a standout weekend, with Heather Harper saying the band were “fabulous” across both nights and “so deserve this success”.
Luci Small, attending her fifth Lottery Winners show, said the band “absolutely smashed it yet again”, while also praising the organisation inside the stadium.
She said: “The event was very well organised, no waits at the bars or toilets. Getting in and out was effortless with minimal queues.”
Nicola Wright also called the night “superb”, adding a personal touch as her nephew, Charlie Cole, performed as the band’s additional live guitarist.
Fans highlighted the sense of community at the event, with Selina Baker praising the “loveliest crowd” after strangers gifted her daughters daisy clips and scarves.
Naomi Simpson reflected on the band’s journey, recalling seeing them play a small birthday party in Culcheth more than a decade ago, saying their headline hometown show “gives you goosebumps”.
Tracey Anne Chadwick said the band showed “genuine appreciation for all their fans”, adding: “I laughed, I cried, danced and sang all night.”
There were also calls for more events at the venue, with Helen Clarke urging: “Leigh Sports Village – more concerts please!”
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