Michael Ball wows the West Wycombe crowds

~ Simon Farr for Bucks free Press on 29 June 2009 ~

PERFORMER Michael Ball wowed the crowds as he celebrated his birthday with a special performance in front of about 4,000 fans in West Wycombe Park on Sunday.

The Hairspray star brought the curtain down on the West Wycombe Live musical extravaganza as he celebrated his 47th birthday by performing hits from his 20-year back catalogue.

Fans travelled from as far as America and Germany for the two-day event which also saw former Eurovision Song Contest winners Bucks Fizz and eighties star Nik Kershaw take to the stage.

Events Manager Ali Robertson said: “It was an absolutely fabulous event.

"We were very lucky the weather remained sunny and dry and all 8,000 people who attended over the two days had a great time.

“Michael Ball was absolutely brilliant, when the crowd sang happy birthday to him, followed by the fireworks in his honour, he wandered off stage and said to me 'that is one of the most fantastic things I've ever seen'.

“We also had a special Michael Jackson tribute and hundreds of people were crying - it was amazing to behold.”

One fan said they queued from 7am just to get to the front of the stage to watch Michael Ball's set.

The fan said: “I have been attending Michael concerts for over 20 years and this weekend was by far the best I have ever attended.

“We spoke to Michael after the event and he appeared quite thrilled with it all and told us that it was one of his most special concerts - so punters and celebs were all happy.”

Another fan, Gill, said on her blog: “Wow - what can I say about the West Wycombe Live? What a fantastic night out and how wonderful to be able to share Michael's birthday with him in the best possible way.

“Michael was on top form, looking and sounding great.  He said it was nice to be performing in men's clothes for a change!”