Katherine Jenkins, Thetford Forest, Saturday, July 12

Four frock changes, a full blown orchestra ... and a voice from heaven.

Add in a clap of thunder, lightning flashing across the dramatically darkening sky and a never-to-be-forgoten nostalgic finale and you’ve got all the ingredients for a night to remember.

Stunningly gorgeous with her looks and equally gorgeous with her voice Katherine Jenkins gave a truly stunning performance in Thetford Forest, last night.

The Welsh diva showed off her mezzo soprano voice to the full with a selection of songs and arias supported by the wonderful National Symphony Orchestra.

Her fans turned out in their thousands and came fully equipped for an evening in the glade complete with picnic tables and chairs, food and drink.

There was some of the most fashionable camping gear on show as early arrivals grabbled prime spots near the front of the stage.

The bubbly started to flow and the corks began popping in the early evening as sandwiches and snacks were nibbled before the star of the show glided on stage in a flowing pink gown.

Just for the record that was followed by blue, yellow and finally a stunning red dress to give just that little bit of extgra class to the show.

Earlier singing group Celeste, former cathedral choristers, got the audience in the mood for the main attraction with their soaring melodies.

And that was not the end of it for the five girls as they filled in while Katherine went backstage for those quick frock changes.

However, it was the voice that captured the hearts of the audience.

From “Grenada” to “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” and “We’ll Meet Again” to “Time To Say Goodbye” there were many familiar songs.

Add to that “O Sole Mio”, “O Mio Babbino Caro (O My Beloved Father)”, “World In Union”, “Hallelujah”, “The Theme from the Godfather” it went on to show Katherine’s full range.

And she got the audience on their feet, swaying and swinging in the grand finale “Last Night of the Proms” theme with “Rule Britannia”, “Jerusalem” and “Land of Hope and Glory”.

The show was a classical triumph full of memorable music, musicianship and thrilling female voices. And of course those dresses.

Russell Cook