Music, motorsport rock Saudi fans at the Saudia Diriyah E-Prix

RIYADH — After lightning speed on the track came ‘Thunder’ on the stage as global megaband Imagine Dragons, DJ Alan Walker and electronic band Clean Bandit brought a crescendo to day one of the Saudia Diriyah E-Prix.

After Formula E action on the Diriyah Circuit electrified racegoers in the day it was the turn of the opening night of the Diriyah Music Festival, a series of epic concerts supporting the megasports events which make up the Diriyah Season, to rev up fans.

First on the stage in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site was British electronic music band Clean Bandit, who came to Saudi Arabia with a back catalog of instantly recognizable hits thanks to collaborations with the likes of Demi Lovato, Jess Glynne, Anne Marie, Sean Paul, Zara Larsson, Julia Michaels, Luis Fonsi and Ellie Goulding.

For music lovers in the stunning concert venue these included live performances of Solo and No place I’d rather be.

“Riyadh you sound beautiful. You guys are the best choir we’ve ever sang with. We are so happy to be here with you tonight,” shouted singer Kirsten Joy.

They were followed by DJ Alan Walker. The Norwegian artist, DJ and producer Alan Walker must have added some Saudi social media followers to add to his global following of 40 million after performing huge hits including his biggest smash hit Faded which inspired incredible scenes as the crowd sang back to him.

The biggest cheer of the night though was reserved for headline act Imagine Dragons, the global megaband with tens of millions of single and record sales and billions of digital downloads.

The band smashed through their set with hits opening with Believer and Thunder with an epic finale reserved for Whatever It Takes followed by an amazing firework display.

Next up in the Diriyah Music Festival, following day 2 of the Saudia Diriyah E-Prix is one of the giants of Latin American music Maluma, who will keep pules racing.

The Colombian singer songwriter is a global sensation who has collaborated with the likes of Shakira, Madonna and Ricky Martin. He will be supported by Canadian Lebanese singer Massari.

Tickets for Day 2 the Diriyah E Prix include access to the after race concerts and are still on sale at www.diriyahseason.sa.

Diriyah Season is an unmissable set of international sports and entertainment events, happening at the historic city of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Sports fanatics, entertainment seekers, foodies and shoppers, are invited to a month of energy, excitement, elegance, and memorable moments as the world comes to Diriyah! — SG