Nocturne Live 2025 - Gary Barlow, Beverley Knight and Tunde Baiyewu - Live Review

Gary Barlow’s Hit Parade Provides the Perfect Friday Night Soundtrack

There's a special kind of energy reserved for a Friday night, and as thousands streamed into the spectacular grounds of Blenheim Palace for the second night of Nocturne Live 2025, that feeling was palpable. The setting itself is a headline act, a stunning piece of British heritage that makes any concert feel like a momentous occasion. Enjoying a slice of freshly made pizza and a few cold beers as the sun went down, it was clear the crowd was ready for a party. The sound was immense, perfectly balanced across the huge space, and with two giant screens ensuring nobody missed a thing, the stage was set for a night of pure pop.

The evening’s entertainment began with the unmistakable, silky vocals of Tunde Baiyewu. The Lighthouse Family singer brought a touch of class and effortless cool to his opening set, his smooth delivery of beloved hits providing the perfect, gentle start to the festivities.

That relaxed tone was promptly turned up to eleven by the vocal dynamo that is Beverley Knight, dressed to impress! She tore through her set with infectious joy and a voice that simply astounds. A powerful cover of "I'm Every Woman" felt like a fitting tribute to Chaka Khan, who graced the same stage last year, and by the time she left, the audience was buzzing.

Seven years ago, Gary Barlow headlined Nocturne in a downpour; tonight, he returned to a perfect summer evening and was greeted like a returning hero. He is the complete entertainer, immediately building a rapport with the audience. He joked about choosing a pinstripe jacket back in the cold of January, before delighting the cheering crowd by revealing a much more party-appropriate sparkly shirt underneath. What followed was a relentless jukebox of hits, a testament to his incredible songwriting career.

The setlist was a masterclass in pacing. He brought the tempo down for a gorgeous piano-led segment, creating an intimate atmosphere for "A Million Love Songs". But the party was never far away. The energy surged back for a fiery "Relight My Fire," complete with dance moves and a vibrant red jacket, before the encore delivered an arms-aloft, euphoric run of Take That’s biggest anthems. "Back for Good," "Rule the World," and "Never Forget" provided a truly epic finale. It was a performance that showcased a songwriter whose catalogue has been the soundtrack for millions, delivered with warmth, wit, and pure showmanship. A flawless end to a fun-filled Friday.