Crowds of all ages descended on Marlow’s Higginson Park last night as Craig David, 44, delivered a slick, nostalgia-fuelled set that proved a hit with festivalgoers.

Despite heavy rain during Jools Holland’s set on the festival’s opening night, the weather held off on Friday, with dry conditions and clear skies greeting fans as they arrived. As temperatures dipped, some outfit choices appeared to defy the chill, with summery looks still on show across the packed crowd.

As the sun set, the Southampton-born singer - who rose to fame in his late teens with a string of chart-topping hits at the turn of the millennium - took to the stage promptly at 9.15pm.

After a brief spell out of the spotlight, David staged a successful comeback in 2016 and has cemented his place a firm fixture on the festival circuit since.

That enduring appeal was clear from the outset as he opened with Artful Dodger’s Re-Rewind, the garage classic that first propelled him into the charts in 1999.

He ran through a string of his biggest hits - including Fill Me In, Rendezvous and Walking Away - seamlessly mixed with covers of Sean Paul, Mario, Justin Bieber and Beyoncé, keeping energy levels high throughout.

In the VIP area, some revellers were even seen dancing on tables as the party atmosphere peaked.

David was full of praise for the crowd, telling revellers Pub in the Park was “one of my favourite festivals”. He added he felt “blessed to be here” and does not take moments “like this for granted” in a refreshing display of appreciation that drew a warm response from the Buckinghamshire crowd.

A standout moment came with his reimagined take on Nicki Minaj’s Moment 4 Life, showcasing his MC credentials and adding an unexpected twist to the 60-minute set.

The performance ended sharply at 10.15pm, in keeping with the town council’s strict licensing rules.

There was no encore, but the crowd still left on a high, with some fans heard singing 7 Days at the top of their lungs on their way out.

For some, the early finish was a welcome bonus - allowing them to be home and tucked up well before midnight.

Fans described David's performance as "amazing" and "epic", and hailing the 44-year-old as “the best as always”. Many described it as a “great night” and said his performance “made my night”.

Pub in the Park, a four-day festival running from Thursday to Sunday, continues across the weekend with a mix of live music, food and entertainment.

Now held solely in Marlow following changes after its sale last year, the event also features celebrated chefs, food demonstrations and author appearances, maintaining its place as a highlight of the town’s social calendar.

For anyone who missed his Pub in the Park appearance in Marlow, there are still plenty of chances to catch him live this summer. Check his social media channels for more details.