Myles Smith lights up Nottingham: A night of energy and emotion
The 27-year-old performed in Nottingham as part of BRITs Week 26 in aid of War Child UK
There’s a particular kind of energy when an artist comes back to a city that helped shape them. On Tuesday night, Myles Smith brought that energy - and then some - as he returned to Nottingham as part of BRITs Week 26 in aid of War Child UK.
Smith, who lived in the city for five years while at university, made it clear this wasn’t just another stop on the tour schedule. Between songs, he spoke warmly about his time in the city, drawing loud cheers from a crowd that seemed proud to have played a small part in his journey.
Any concerns about his voice were quickly dismissed. Earlier in the week, Smith had shared on Instagram that he was recovering from a cold. He said, whilst signing an autograph on a piece of fan art he was impressed by, that people shouldn’t ’get too close’ and catch any germs.
If he was under the weather, it certainly didn’t show. His vocals were strong and controlled, and his energy never dipped - even as he powered through a set packed with fan favourites.
“Stargazing” was a clear highlight, the kind of song that instantly unites a room. “Nice to Meet You” and “Stay (If You Wanna Dance)” had the same infectious momentum, keeping the crowd moving and singing back every word.
The emotional heart of the night came during “Little by Little”, a slower, reflective track. Smith asked the audience to turn on their phone torches if they had ever struggled with mental health or felt low. Gradually, the room filled with tiny lights, and he encouraged everyone to look around - a visual reminder that nobody was alone.
The moment was both intimate and inspiring, and yet the night’s tension was punctuated with comic relief: a fan brandished a Lidl logo to Smith and his band, and they couldn’t hide their laughter, giving the audience a shared grin amid the emotion.
The intimacy extended further when he responded to a fan’s request to record a short video message for a young fan at home in bed. It was a quietly lovely moment, with Smith speaking directly into the camera with genuine warmth - a reminder that even amid high-energy performances, he never loses sight of the people his music touches.
Despite touring with the likes of Ed Sheeran and releasing a new song with Niall Horan, he hasn’t forgotten his roots - Nottingham clearly remains close to his heart.
Support came from Nottingham’s own Saint Raymond, who delivered a set that balanced humour and heart. Admitting he hasn’t released new music in a while, he laughed as he recalled Googling lyrics before the show - a refreshingly honest moment that only strengthened the connection with the audience.
His voice remains as strong as ever, and the hometown support was clear.
While the night was filled with celebration, its wider purpose wasn’t lost. BRITs Week raises vital funds for War Child’s work supporting children affected by conflict - a cause that added weight to an already meaningful evening.
For me, the show carried an extra layer. I was there with my mum - Smith’s biggest fan in our house - and watching her sing along to every word made the night feel even more special.
Recovering from illness, returning to a city that played a role in his early adulthood, and delivering a performance that balanced energy with vulnerability, Myles Smith showed exactly why his rise over the past year feels so deserved.
This wasn’t just a strong live performance from the BRITs Rising Star Award winner in 2025. It was one that connected - and in the end, that’s what people remember.
The series continues across the UK with intimate performances from Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE, kwn, Josh Baker, Rossi., Olivia Dean, Jacob Alon, and Robbie Williams, giving fans the chance to see some of the biggest and most exciting names in music up close before The BRIT Awards 2026 on 28th February in Manchester.
The last few tickets remaining on sale can be found here.
You can donate to the War Child appeal here.