ONE of music’s most enduring icons, Sir Tom Jones, brought his much beloved songs to the grounds of one of Great Britain’s most beautiful stately homes last Saturday night.

Overlooking Castle Howard’s Great Lake, the impressively large front lawn played host to thousands of excited and eager fans, many of whom were happily enjoying picnics and drinks in the sunshine.

For reasons that were not entirely clear, opening act Lowri Evans was unable to perform, casting a slightly awkward shadow over the proceedings, but a delayed start could not diminish the assembled crowd’s obvious excitement for the main event, Sir Tom Jones himself.

His imminent arrival was heralded with cries and cheers. When he finally stepped onto the stage, however, the only sounds to be heard were the band and the rich, sonorous sound of his voice. Then the cheering started again, only louder.

The party atmosphere was undeniable, with revellers dancing and singing along as Sir Tom ran the gamut of his considerable performance history, with fan favourites such as Sex Bomb and Delilah, as well as more recent hits and a few golden oldies.

Even as the daylight began to fade and the show drew to a close, the audience would not be denied one more song. Sir Tom gave them three.

Sir Tom Jones is still one of the best in the business when it comes to crowd pleasing, feel-good music: a truly excellent concert.