Rachel Croft returns to York for a headline show at The Crescent.

Review and photos by Graeme Smith

It’s becoming something on an annual tradition for me. Rachel Croft heads back up North from London to play at the Crescent and I head down to catch her in action. Originally from Nottingham, Croft cut her teeth in the York busking scene. We’ve been fans of her since our conception.

Opening the night with a short set were Flat Number Two. It was a stripped-back performance for the local act led by Declan Vink, with just the two of them on stage. They warmed things up nicely and confessed that playing the Crescent was something of a dream come true, having been in the audience to see The Howl and The Hum play there before.

Next up were the insanely photogenic Stereo Cupid who proved to be an abrupt change of pace. The Londoners were on the first night of their tour and had the energy of a coiled spring. There was a risk that they were going to rock too hard for the fairly serene crowd, but by the end of their set there were chants of ‘one more song.’ A highly recommended watch.

Finally, it was the turn of Rachel Croft and she didn’t disappoint on her homecoming. Over the years, she’s built up a loyal fanbase, no more than here in York, and the crowd were enthralled as she worked through her set of old favourites and new tracks from her latest EP, A Mind Made of Sky.

So, as annual traditions go, this is certainly one I look forward to. Rachel Croft is always a delight to watch perform, and she always keeps us guessing with her supports. All in all, a cracking night.

Flat Number Two, Stereo Cupid and Rachel Croft played at The Crescent on Saturday 31 May 2025.