There’s only one man on the planet that could host a party in his apartment so popular that it became a global brand – and now he’s bringing it to Market Rasen Racecourse this summer!

That man is, of course, the mighty Craig David, whose TS5 parties are world-beaters, including summer-long residencies at Ibiza Rocks hotel, which genuinely changed the face and format of clubbing on the island forever. This unparalleled claim to fame, 20 years on from his debut, has again made him THE hottest name in international R&B.

He’s performing a special one-off concert with his full live band at Market Rasen Racecourse on Saturday 17 August as part of The Jockey Club Live summer season.

Find out what the international hitmaker had to say ahead of his headline racecourse show…

Craig is thrilled; having played Newmarket and Aintree last year, so can’t wait to bring the noise back to the final furlongs. 

He recalled: “The feeling and passion from the crowd was amazing and I can’t wait to do it all again this year! Absolutely I will be making a day of it and hanging around, it’s always a great day and lots of fun although I don’t think I’ll be betting. I’m sure my manager will most certainly be placing a few! As for my show, there are always surprises in store, and if you have a fear of missing out then don’t miss this show.”

Are you a big sports fan yourself?

“I love watching and playing all sports, but my biggest passion is Southampton FC, and one day soon they’ll be playing in Europe up there with the best where they belong.”

The TS5 brand began life in Craig’s Miami apartment and grew organically into a thousands-strong party around the legendary Ibiza Rocks pool. 

Last year every single party sold out in advance and it’s off to a similar start for its return in summer 2019. The really incredible thing is that it shifted the clubbing demographic, turning the whole Balearic hedonism concept on its head from all-night clubbing to all-day.

He laughed: “TS5 started in my flat in Miami with just a few friends coming over before we went out on a Friday night. In between doing shots I was spinning some tracks and it got to the point where more people where coming to me for the pre-evening party than going out after so IT became the party! It really was as organic as that and it’s something I love doing.”

Craig David’s huge track record

Having sold over 15 million albums, achieving 16 Top Ten hits and multi-platinum status in more than 20 countries, Craig has packed a lot into his career – but staggeringly its 20 years since he burst on to the scene with Artful Dodger and Rewind, the earth-shattering hit that essentially made speed garage a thing.  It’s also 20 years since his subsequent debut solo album Born To Do It. 

It’s been 20 years since you were featured on Artful Dodger’s track “Re-Rewind”, how does it feel to still receive such an immense reaction from fans every time you play the track live?

“I am so blessed to not only have amazing fans but to have worked with some very talented people in my career. Working with the Artful Dodger guys was life changing for me and I have amazing memories every time the intro to that track comes on.

“I hadn’t realised it was that long ago, it seems like yesterday to me.”

It’s not all about the history of course, as Craig’s new album last year, The Time Is Now, was his fifth UK top 10 long player, hitting No2 in the UK chart.  And the good news is there’s more to come.

“I am so grateful to be able to get up and write songs every day, record them and then get to play them live. All of my albums are like family members to me, all with different personalities. Chart positions aren’t part of that equation when I’m recording but I am always grateful when people buy my music and having top 5 albums is a very nice bonus.

Are you currently working on new material and when can we expect to hear more music from you?

“I am currently on the road in Australia and South East Asia but have been in the studio over Christmas and am back in the studio at the end of this tour in March. I’m hoping to have new music out before the summer. Writing, recording, touring, promoting and living in the moment. What a time to be alive.”

And of course he was nominated for British Male Solo Artist at the Brits for the FIFTH time. It’s safe to say Craig David is back where he belongs at the very top.

“Being nominated for any award is obviously an honour and in this business there are lots of winners, not just the people who get nominated and pick up the award on the night. I am grateful for all the support I get to allow me to be in this great position and for being nominated.”

As he charges down the home straight towards what will be an astonishing show at Market Rasen on August 17, Nadia Powell, General Manager, Market Rasen Racecourse, said:

“Jockey Club Live concerts are hugely popular annual events in Lincolnshire – with racing and music fans eagerly anticipating the announcement of our acts every year. Our visitors have enjoyed seeing superstars like Tom Jones, Jess Glynne, Paloma Faith, Olly Murs and Kaiser Chiefs in recent years, attracting record crowds. Craig David is a very exciting booking and many thousands of his fans will be keen to snap up tickets for the concert on Saturday 17th August.”

How to get tickets

Tickets are on sale  ??  here.

10% booking fee applies.

All T&C’s are available here. There will be hospitality packages available to suit all budgets.

How to get coach tickets

Market Rasen Racecourse and Dents Coaches have teamed up to provide a swift and comfortable return service from Lincoln & Grimsby on the day.

Please note: tickets must be booked in advance and spaces are limited!

Lincoln – Collecting from outside Lincoln Bus Station at 2.30pm with return departure 10.45pm from The Racecourse. £25 per person.

Grimbsy – Collecting from The Town Hall at 2.30pm with return departure at 10.45pm from The Racecourse. £20 per person.

Doncaster – Collecting from the Bus Stop outside the Railway Station on A630, at 1.30pm with return departure 10.45pm from The Racecourse. £25 per person.

Sheffield – Collecting from the Bus Station off Harmer Lane (National Express Bays), at 1.00pm with return departure 10.45pm from The Racecourse. £25 per person.

You can purchase coach tickets here or you can call 0344 579 3009.