20 June 2025 (gig)
25 June 2025
As the sun began to set on another glorious day in Oxfordshire, the Great Court at Blenheim Palace was filled with a palpable weekend buzz. The stunning 18th-century architecture, bathed in golden light, once again provided a world-class backdrop for an evening of music. With another delicious meal, this time a hearty steak burger, from the impressive array of vendors, the stage was set for a night of pure pop celebration.
The evening’s musical journey began with the smooth, soulful sounds of Tunde Baiyewu. The Lighthouse Family frontman, looking sharp in a lovely suit, brought an air of effortless charm to the stage. His velvet voice is as comforting as ever, and rolling through classics like "Ocean Drive" and "High" proved the perfect, laid-back soundtrack for the warm evening, easing the crowd gently into the night.
Upping the energy was the undeniable force of nature, Beverley Knight. A true powerhouse performer, she commanded the stage with incredible vitality and a voice that could move mountains, dressed to impress in a shiny catsuit. Her powerful rendition of Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman" felt like a knowing and brilliant nod to Chaka's own performance on this very stage last year. Lively, interactive, and utterly captivating, she had the entire audience primed and ready for the main event.
When Gary Barlow last headlined Nocturne Live seven years ago, he did so in torrential rain (I got soaked). Tonight, under clear, hot skies, he returned to deliver a triumphant, career-spanning set as part of his "Song Book" tour. He emerged in a pinstripe jacket, quipping that outfits planned in January don't always account for a summer heatwave. After a few songs, the crowd’s playful chants of "take it off!" were met with a laugh: "You're one of those crowds, are you?" he joked, before revealing a sparkly shirt underneath.
He was a consummate showman, playfully shining a spotlight on audience members and sharing anecdotes, including a heartfelt mention of his long-term collaborator, Mike Stephens. The setlist was a Take That fan's dream, weaving seamlessly between solo hits like "Let Me Go" and a cavalcade of pop anthems. A stunning piano section saw him ask the crowd to take a seat for classics like "A Million Love Songs" and a beautiful new duet, "If There's Not a Song About It," with his backing singer Gemma.
The energy peaked as he donned a red jacket for a dance-routine-fuelled "Relight My Fire," before an encore that delivered hit after emotional hit: "Back for Good," "Rule the World," and the ultimate hands-in-the-air finale, "Never Forget." It was a masterclass in pop performance, perfectly suited to the grand, celebratory setting.
Photo Credit: Russell Fujak
