A balmy, but thankfully dry, summer's evening spent in stunning natural surroundings with sublime entertainment from an enchantress who not only sang like an angel but looked like one too – what could be more perfect?
I have been a
Katherine Jenkins' fan for only a few months but the chance to hear her perform live so close to home was just too good to miss.
Thetford Forest's High Lodge natural arena proved a spectacular backdrop for the Welsh diva who delivered a sparkling performance.
Backed by The National Symphony Orchestra, under the perfectionist baton of Anthony Inglis, and supported by the dashingly good-looking classical male quartet Blake, the concert provided a feast of well-loved opera arias and popular music given a classical spin.
Jenkins' rich delivery soared into the night sky as she sang The Gipsy Song from Bizet's Carmen, O Mio Babbino Caro and Sancta Maria by Puccini, Time To Say Goodbye by Francesco Sartori and Lucio Quarantotto, and the beautiful, heart-rending Pie Jesu by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Popular music came in the form of Bernstein's Somewhere, and Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You, which Jenkins performed in Italian.
An emotional rendition of We'll Meet Again highlighted why the Welsh 'lovely' is looked on as the Forces Sweetheart and is in high demand to perform for British troops abroad.
The girlish giggle and natural million dollar smile would win over any soldier, never mind that voice.
As Jenkins intermittently left the stage to change for a series of stunning frocks, the Blake boys took over, their voices blending effortlessly and a well-judged contrast to Jenkins' mezzo-soprano.
The evening ended with some audience participation in a Last Night of the Proms finale – truly a night to remember.
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