MY TURN NOW: Ruby Lily, Gullivers, Manchester, 18th September 2026
Ruby Lily, backstage at Gullivers, Manchester, 18th September 2026 (Image: Paul Wolfgang Webster**)
Maya Lane, Start of Something UK Tour flyer
With Maya Lane, the UK based country singer, hitting the road for four dates on her Start Of Something tour, Ruby Lily was specially invited along with Grace Kelly, to forge a powerhouse of up-and-coming UK based country talent, as a busy Gulliver’s hosted a stop off in Manchester.
Gullivers, travels
Gullivers is situated in the Northern Quarter of Manchester City centre on Oldham Street, and with its compact upstairs room is a great venue hosting both established and up and coming artists. offering a great atmosphere and setting.
From Essex
Opening up the evening was Ruby Lily.
Ruby is based in Essex and plays with a country-pop vibe, laced with a retro edge. Her trademark powerhouse vocals emerge incredibly from her baseball capped appearance.
Ruby Lily, Gullivers, Manchester, 18th September 2026 (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
Blending classic country storytelling with a modern pop punch, her “yodelling cowgirl” delivery is starting to carve a notable niche for her in the UK Americana scene.
With single releases including “Loving Me Or Killing Me”, “My Turn Now” and recent offering “Toodaloo” she represents an exciting new artist and one to definitely watch.
Travelling from Essex she made the long journey up North but arrived at Gullivers in great spirits, delighted to be part of what was set to be a special evening.
My Turn Now
Ruby Lily, Gullivers, Manchester, 18th September 2026 (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
Appearing as the second act of the evening, Ruby Lily kicked off her set appropriately with her song “My Turn Now”. It laid out her trademark country infused sound perfectly as she headed “One left, I’m gone, blinkers on, pedals down”.
Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” was next up—a key influence and Ruby’s distinctive country tinged voice was well suited to the Stevie Nicks penned classic.
Ruby Lily, Gullivers, Manchester, 18th September 2026 (Image: Paul Wolfgang Webster**)
Unreleased song “Jeez Louise” showed Ruby to be hitting her stride and again put her impressively distinctive vocals in the shop window.
New single “Toodaloo”, with some impromptu audience banter and participation to get the song started, soon hit the spot as the chorus hit its '‘yoo-hoo’ yodel.
Ruby Lily, Gullivers, Manchester, 18th September 2026 (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
“Innocent Glasses”, another unreleased song showed further depth emerging in Ruby’s songbook and captivated an already spellbound crowd.
Closing the set with “What’s Up (What’s Going On)”, the 4 Non Blondes song from 1993, itself covered by American Country star, Lainey Wilson in 2022, was a great finish to what had been an emphatic set.
Dreams
Aim high, shoot for the stars.
Ruby Lily, in her 30 minute slot, engaged the Manchester audience with her heart-string pulling songs that showcased her incredible, authentic country delivery.
Matched up with her strong songwriting, she’s gradually creating a compelling body of work and her future releases are definitely worth looking out for, as this up-and-coming artist continues to blossom.
Toodaloo until the next time!
Ruby Lily, Gullivers, Manchester, 18th September 2026 (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
Seat: Standing, front, either side of stage and rear of hall
Setlist
My Turn Now • Ruby Lily
Dreams • Fleetwood Mac
Jeez Louise • Ruby Lily (unreleased)
Toodaloo • Ruby Lily
Innocent Glasses • Ruby Lily (unreleased)
What’s Up (What’s Going On) • 4 Non Blondes (Lainey Wilson Style Version)
** Special Thanks:
I was extremely privileged to attend the gig with legendary photographer, Paul Wolfgang Webster, who was helping me learn the intricacies of gig photography. Many thanks to Paul for his help, support and incredible insights, both on the night and subsequently.
A candid image from Paul below:
Ruby Lily, backstage at Gullivers, Manchester, 18th September 2026 (Image: Paul Wolfgang Webster**)
