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Lah Di Dah Ladies Vocal Harmony Group. To book or Audition, contact Julie on 01629 56744 or Linda on 07948 799879

'Birthday Boy' Sir Tom Wows Chesterfield

Sunday 8th June 2014

"Thanks to you, I've had one of my best birthday's ever!" That was Sir Tom Jones paying homage to the thousands of people who packed the PROACT last night to hear him in concert.

I doubt that I was the only one in the crowd who had difficulty believing that the man who owned the stage (above) and had Chesterfield in the palm of his hand, was actually celebrating his 74th birthday on Saturday evening - and the crowd were eager to join in those celebrations, with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday Sir Tom" as you can hear below.

It had crossed my mind earlier in the day that Rihanna and her 'Umbrella' may have been a more topical choice - as the heavens opened all day and shops were rapidly selling out of macs. However, late afternoon, just as the doors began to open, the blue sky appeared, and the organisers no doubt breathed a HUGE sigh of relief! If the sun shines on the righteous - someone at the PROACT had obviously been very good

As with Sir Elton John, the staff at Chesterfield FC had worked tirelessly behind the scenes for well over a year to secure the services of Sir Tom, though with the added caveat this year, that the club itself were 'manning operations' so to speak - and there had probably been a few sleepless nights over the last few weeks.

The crowd builds expectedly for Sir Tom Jones at the Proact

However, they pulled it off in spectacular style and left no one in any doubt of Chesterfield's credentials as a top-notch concert venue - Sir Elton was no fluke.

It was noticeable that, far from the audience being 'women of a certain age' keen to wave their pants, the crowd was made up of all ages, from kids to pensioners, men and women.

Despite the 'no knickers' rule, there were ingenious attempts to make a nod to Sir Tom's reputation and trademark - and to the delight of the crowd, several washing lines of underwear were paraded around the stadium. Two ladies (below), entered into the spirit of things with some cheeky humour too!

Despite the 'no knickers' rule, there were ingenious attempts to make a nod to Sir Tom's reputation and trademark - and to the delight of the crowd, several washing lines of underwear were paraded around the stadium. Two ladies entered into the spirit of things with some cheeky humour too!

The support acts - though having to compete with the Pimms and concourse entertainment - were fantastic!

Andrew Cole on stage at the PROACT

Andrew Cole (above), Canadian born - but brought up in Wales, got the crowd rocking, and told The Chesterfield Post after his set that he had been thrilled to appear at the PROACT and with Sir Tom Jones, "It felt amazing to be back on UK soil. I've been a bit of a rover. I'm in LA at the moment trying to finish an album.

"Today has been the best day of my life, to share my new songs with people. I'm thrilled to be on the tour with Sir Tom - I was brought up in Wales, my mum is Welsh. He's one of those legends that you never think you'll share a stage with - he's a legend. It was like family here tonight!"

Hear the interview with Andrew in full here...

Next on stage was Toploader, (below), who got the crowd further warmed up nicely with their brand of rock and infectious enthusiasm. Even grannies were bopping in their seats - with one couple doing an impromptu jive in the aisle next to us!

Next on stage was Toploader, who got the crowd further warmed up nicely with their brand of rock and infectious enthusiasm. Even grannies were bopping in their seats - with one couple doing an impromptu jive in the aisle next to us!

Toploader on stage at the PROACT

Their hit, 'Dancing In The Moonlight' was given a rapturous reception by the crowd, before all that was left to do was thank Chesterfield for their hospitality.

Then onto the 'Sex Bomb' himself, from nowhere, hoardes of people took their seats and the stadium came to life once again. The air of expectation was palpable as we waited for him to come on.

There was no fanfare, no big announcement - without ceremony, Sir Tom Jones walked n stage as if he came there every week. It became clear very early on that, not only is Sir Tom a world-class performer and legend, he is also an affable, personable and humble man - who seemed genuinely delighted to be in Chesterfield on his birthday, telling the crowd that people had asked what he was doing for his birthday, and being told "I'm In Chesterfield" on being asked why, he replied, "Cos I love to sing!"

And sing he did - with all the old favourites, Sex Bomb, Mama Told Me Not To Come, You Can Leave Your Hat On and Delilah, which played just as the sun went down and drove the crowd into an impromptu sing-song, drawing laughter from Sir Tom as thousands sang the famous chorus in unison (below).

The Green Green Grass Of Home, so often the headline writer’s go-to since the announcement that Sir Tom was coming to town, and Its Not Unusual were also crowd-pleasers.

After an hour and a half of non-stop performing - and only the occasional sip of water - it was time for Sir Tom to bid goodnight. He thanked the people of Chesterfield for sharing his birthday with him, giving the impression that there was nowhere else he'd rather be.

74? An age when most are hanging up their dancing shoes and settling for comfy slippers? Never would you have guessed!

Whatever Tom Jones has, he has certainly still got it in buckets. If you could bottle it, you would retire a very rich man, and quickly! What was clear was that he is also, warm, witty and wise - with a love of people and performing that has no doubt added to his longevity.

Sir Tom was pleased to be in Chesterfield and the town was pleased to welcome him too. Like Sir Elton before him, Sir Tom proved himself to be a "people's performer" who put on the same show here as he did in bigger and more exotic venues.

"A brilliant five star show" is possibly the best succinct resumé I could do in a family publication, but my oh my, the energy and buzz around the football stadium matched, eclipsed even, the day that the home team won promotion as Champions!

And what of Chesterfield FC as it gears up to host another headline concert today (Sunday 8th June), this time for the younger crowd?

It can safely say that hard work and vision has paid off.

Five years ago when the move from Saltergate began, we could only have dreamed that acts such as the two Knights of The Realm, Tinie Tempah and Katy B would be in our own back yard rather than Nottingham, Sheffield or Manchester.

The club - and the council planning officers - deserve huge credit for putting Chesterfield on the touring map and dragging in tourists and revenue (mainly in mac sales!) to the town.

Las Vegas? Pah! Chez Vegas is now the place to be - and long may it last!

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