It may have been a day of sunshine and showers, but the weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the thousands who flocked to Audley End House for Sir Tom Jones’ triumphant return to the Heritage Live concert season.

The concert marked the end of his latest tour, and as the ever-exuberant Sir Tom told his fans "this is the 46th show and what a way to finish".

Saffron Walden Reporter: Sir Tom Jones performing at Heritage LiveSir Tom Jones performing at Heritage Live (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Admittedly, opener I’m Growing Old, from his 2021 studio album Surrounded by Time, kicked off proceedings with a slightly melancholic air, as the (still sprightly) 83-year-old Sir Tom sang of the experience of aging.

He followed it with a powerful rendition of Bob Dylan’s 1997 single Not Dark Yet but it was when his band launched into perennial favourite It’s Not Unusual that the
party really got under way.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Sir Tom Jones performing at Audley End Sir Tom Jones performing at Audley End (Image: Celia Bartlett)

His career-spanning set covered an incredible six decades of music and struck a careful balance between deeper cuts for the hardcore followers and plenty of crowd-pleasing hits for the more casual fans.

Sexbomb, What’s New Pussycat, Kiss and more rolled back the years and Sir Tom finished a memorable night with revved up rock n roll classics Johnny B Goode and
Great Balls of Fire.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Germein performing as a supporting act for Tom Jones at Heritage LiveGermein performing as a supporting act for Tom Jones at Heritage Live (Image: Celia Bartlett)

He may move a little less on stage these days, but Sir Tom’s incredible, bombastic voice is simply immune from aging.

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The 83-year-old star had three acts opening, the first being a group of Australian sisters called Germein, who delighted the audience with their close harmonies and indie pop feel.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Tamzene performing at Heritage LiveTamzene performing at Heritage Live (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Next was young Scottish solo singer Tamzene, whose beautiful voice entranced the crowd

It seemed apt that the self-proclaimed 'emotional warm-up act' brought a light drizzle, which only added to the atmosphere.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Storry performing at Heritage Live in Audley EndStorry performing at Heritage Live in Audley End (Image: Celia Bartlett)

The main support act was UK-based, Canadian-born singer Storry who held the crowd spellbound with a Mozart aria before switching to a funky groove which had the crowd off their feet and dancing.