Holding Back The Years. Stars. Fairground. If You Don’t Know Me By Now.
Get ready to experience the unforgettable music of Simply Red as Holding Back The Years – The Ultimate Simply Red Experience comes to Viva Blackpool.
Featuring an exceptional lead vocalist backed by a band of world-class musicians, this spectacular live tribute recreates the distinctive sound, soul and atmosphere of a Simply Red concert.
From emotional ballads to irresistible dancefloor favourites, prepare for a night packed with timeless songs and outstanding live musicianship.
If you love Simply Red, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
For more than four decades, Simply Red have created an extraordinary catalogue of songs that have become part of the soundtrack to millions of lives.
Holding Back The Years celebrates that music with meticulous attention to detail, recreating the unmistakable sound and style associated with Mick Hucknall and Simply Red.
Expect classic hits including:
Holding Back The Years Stars Fairground Something Got Me Started Money’s Too Tight (To Mention) If You Don’t Know Me By Now
…and many more Simply Red favourites.
Songs you’ve played on the radio, danced to, fallen in love to and never stopped singing.
Relax in your reserved seats whilst we serve food and drinks to your table throughout the show from our restaurant and bars waiters
With dazzling performances, stunning visuals, and an electric atmosphere, this is more than just a show—it’s an experience. Book your tickets now and let the Viva team take care of everything.
Show Timings
The Ultimate Simply Red Experience
The timeless music of Simply Red – performed by an exceptional live band.
FRIDAY 9 JULY 2027 Doors 6:30pm • Show 8:00pm
Tickets from £17.95 | Secure your seats from £5pp
Book Holding Back The Years at Viva Blackpool
Holding Back The Years. Stars. Fairground. Something Got Me Started. If You Don’t Know Me By Now.
One incredible catalogue of music.
One exceptional live band.
And one night celebrating the unmistakable sound of Simply Red.
Experience Holding Back The Years – The Ultimate Simply Red Experience live at Viva Blackpool.
Choose a pre-show dining package, or a snack option and enjoy delicious, freshly prepared food from our award winning team during your visit.
Drinks Options and Pre-Order Packages
Drinks Table Service
Across most of our shows, Viva operates table service from our award winning team of Food & Beverage assistants.
You can:-
Order & Pay via mobile - scan the QR code on your table, or click the link that we will text you out before your arrival - and browse our full range of drinks, food and other snacks on your mobile. Our mobile order and pay solution is a really simple way of ordering - and will also store your order so you can order another round at just the click of a button.
Order via our Table Hosts - our team will regularly circulate around the room taking orders
Please note - All of our bars and table service team accept card and cash payments, though we do prefer cards as they are quicker and safer to process.
Perfect for Simply Red Fans
Holding Back The Years is a great night out for:
Simply Red and Mick Hucknall fans
Lovers of classic soul and pop
Couples looking for a live music night out
Groups of friends
Birthdays and celebrations
Anyone who appreciates outstanding live musicianship
Viva Arena Shows - FAQs
What are the Seating Plan / Arrangements?
Your seats are reserved and guaranteed for the show.
Our seating plan is a mix of table sizes with tables of 2,4 and 6 and 12 people.
We have different tiers of seating which are represented by different coloured dots (seats) on the plan. Our main room shows have ‘Premier’, ‘Standard’, and ‘Premier-Plus’.
No need to get up to the bar, or wait in queues as we have waiter service running throughout your visit serving drinks and snacks
You can make specific seating requests if you want (i.e. if you don’t want to sit too near to the front!).
You can either select your own seat online, or make the request to the box office operative when booking
Can I get tickets just for the show?
Yes. Tickets for our resident and visiting shows are all for a reserved seat for the show only.
There are various upgrade options available for most shows after you have selected your seats/show ticket type (Adult/Junior etc.) with options to add a dining package, and pre-order drinks options etc.
Whilst we recommend dining with us to get the complete ‘Viva experience’, you can opt to come just for the show by selecting a ‘Show Only’ ticket which is a reserved seat for the show.
Does Viva cater for groups?
We LOVE groups.
Viva is a perfect destination for a party, or a group. With different table sizes (2s, 4s, 6s, 10s and 12s) and a flexible layout meaning we can add tables together, or seat in the same area of the room – we can cater for any private party requirement within our big show atmosphere.
Group discounts may be available for certain shows when booking for 10 people or more. Please enquire with our team if you’re booking for a group and we’ll be happy to advise.
When booking dining as a group, we’re likely to need your menu options before your visit (for groups of 10 or more people.)
Please click here and send an enquiry to our Groups Specialist if you’d like help putting together a package for your booking
What is the Viva venue like?
The Viva Arena a is a spacious, modern and comfortable venue which seats up to 650 people, or up to 1200 at standing events.
The stage is large, but close to the front tables – and all guests will feel like their part of the show with tables of various sizes.
You’re free to get up and dance around the table if you want to (as long as you don’t spoil the view for anyone else), and you can move around the room freely during the performance (relaxed space policy)
If you’ve ordered pre-ordered dining with our 2 course dining deal – then you’ll dine in your show seats before the curtain goes up on the performance.
Drinks pre-orders will be delivered to your table before the doors open, ready for your arrival.
Additional food (snack) pre-orders will be sent to our kitchen team when your tickets are scanned on arrival. This ensures your food will be freshly prepared and delivered promptly (please ensure your tickets are available to scan on arrival)
Most of our events enjoy table service from our food & beverage team, and we also have a QR code ordering system which sends orders directly yo the kitchen/bar.
