It may have been a bit damp and miserable out on the racecourse at Newmarket but there was real warmth and a feel-good factor emanating from the stage set up in the stands.

It came from the voices and presence of Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating and Shane Lynch ... together as Boyzone.

They strode on to huge applause from those braving the elements and even told their adoring fans that they were getting as good a “soaking” as the thousands standing out in the rain.

Ponchos were the order of the night as the rain continued to fall relentlessly. But it did not deter the enthusiasm and energy coming from the quartet and their band.

And they rolled back the years as they launched into a string of hits, which included classics Picture of You, Words, No Matter What and When The Going Gets Tough The Tough Get Going, plus treated fans to tracks from their latest release From Dublin to Detroit. The band also performed Ronan’s solo #1 Life Is A Rollercoaster, making it truly a night to remember for all.

Their busy summer schedule sees them play at Edinburgh Castle today, Sandown Racecourse on Wednesday, and the Ageas Bowl, in Southampton, next Saturday, August 1.

And the Boyz are sure to get as big a welcome as they did at Newmarket last night.

At the end of the event Amy Starkey, regional director East of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “Despite the inclement weather, it was an absolute delight to welcome back Boyzone for their fourth Newmarket Nights performance.

“They treated the crowd to all their favourite songs, making it a concert to remember.

“We are now looking forward to the rest of the brilliant summer line-up with Kaiser Chiefs, Sir Tom Jones and Spandau Ballet over the next three Fridays.”

Russell Cook