They get the summer started - and this year's Rochester Castle Concerts are back from Wednesday, July 10 until Saturday, July 13, with a line-up that has something for everyone.

Ahead of the opening night on Wednesday, July 10, we spoke to Example - known for hit tracks including Change The Way You Kissed Me, Kickstart and Stay Awake - as he prepares to support Rudimental.

We have Kickstart on our gym playlist - what do you have on yours?

Hate to be boring but I don’t actually listen to music when I train.

It’s the only time I get to clear my mind and think. Even when I used to run long distances. It was often the time I would come up with new song ideas or lyrics or melodies. My wife blasts out drum ‘n’ bass a lot and I train with her. Unfortunately she also plays a lot of hard house lol.

What lyrics are you most proud of in your songs?

Everything on my fourth album The Evolution of Man is my best work I reckon - my most personal, clever, unique. Playing In The Shadows and Won’t Go Quietly are my better known albums and have their moments but on tracks like All My Lows, Blood From A Stone, Close Enemies and Perfect Replacement from this album I feel like I’m at my best. I’ve also written a lot of nonsense but thankfully it’s outweighed by the decent stuff. I’d say my most famous lyric that isn’t a chorus is probably “might be holding your hand but I’m holding it loose.”

Can you give us an example of your best night out?

There’s so much I wish I could tell you but I can’t. You always think it’s the craziest most random nights that are the best. Having dinner with my old mate Adele in LA, then randomly meeting Jack Nicholson at a bar. I did karaoke with Alex Turner. But to be completely honest some of my best nights out have been the simplest, most laid back nights. Sometimes it’s all about some great food, close friends, a few drinks and some great chat.

Did you have more fun as a blonde?

Hahahaha. You’d have to ask my wife..!

You've done some stand-up - which is harder, performing music or comedy?

Stand-up is the hardest job in the world. Even if you're naturally funny. Even if you're comedy. It's just you and a mic. A whole room full of people to impress. It's the scariest but most rewarding thing I've ever done.

And finally... what will you be playing at Rochester?

It’s always a mix. I always play all the hits. I’m not one of those acts that plays for myself - I give the people what they want. There’s a couple of the newer, more recent bangers. And you’ll probably hear my next single. Just wait and see.

THE CONCERTS

Craig David will play on Thursday, July 11, after stepping in when headliner Jess Glynne had to pull out.

After proving a huge hit at the Castle Concerts in 2017, this year he will entertain concert-goers with his original classics alongside new chart topping hits, supported by Nina Nesbitt. He said: “I had such a great welcome when I performed here two years ago, it’s fantastic to be returning this year.”

Cllr Howard Doe from organisers Medway Council, said: “The Castle Concerts are a much-loved annual event and we are delighted to still be able to offer four nights of great entertainment this year. We are also thrilled to be welcoming Craig David back to the stage at Rochester Castle – he was incredibly popular when he joined us in 2017 and we are very much looking forward to his performance.”

George McCrae, Heather Small and Odyssey perform at the Soul Party night on Friday, July 12 and Proms with The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, special guests Collabro and Laura Wright is on Saturday, July 13.

For tickets visit thecastleconcerts.co.uk or call the box office on 01634 338338.

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