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Tom Jones wows the crowds at Margate’s iconic funfair site Dreamland as he performs on his Ages and Stages tour

12:43, 28 July 2023

updated: 15:58, 28 July 2023

News that Sir Tom Jones was performing at Dreamland proved so popular with fans when it was announced earlier this year, he had to put on another date as tickets sold out so quickly.

So having attended last night’s stunning gig, I can tell you if you’re heading along tonight, you’re in for such a treat.

He last performed at the famous Kent venue, in Margate in 1966 as he cheerfully told us all not long after he got on stage and of course, he started his set at the very beginning with probably his most famous hit, It’s Not Unusual.

I guess he looked a lot different this time after almost sixty years, his hair for one has changed colour, but I can tell you he’s lost none of his charm, charisma or voice.

The Welsh singer performed the 1965 hit track to the delight of the crowds and even though he’s now 83, it was pitch-perfect and his full-throated, robust baritone tones rolled out right across the site.

A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to see him at the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood, but it was a very different affair as fans were seated at the front and women could walk up the aisle and throw their knickers at him during his Sex Bomb performance, but last night at Margate everyone was standing and singing and dancing their socks off in front of him.

There was something thrown on stage at him, it was some sort of clothing, but if it was a pair of knickers, they were the biggest birthers I’d ever seen!

Tom Jones performing at Dreamland, Margate
Tom Jones performing at Dreamland, Margate
Sir Tom Jones on stage in Margate's Dreamland
Sir Tom Jones on stage in Margate's Dreamland

But of course, the silver crooner took it all in his stride, even when he had to stop performing for a few minutes because someone was taken ill in the crowd and had to be removed for first aid.

Sir Tom wished the woman well as he came back on stage and sort of light-heartedly joked she may have fainted because she was seeing him - her idol on stage.

And he didn’t disappoint the thousands of fans who went along including two famous ones, Vic Reeves and his lovely wife Nancy Sorrell, who were spotted in the VIP area enjoying his gig.

He performed a string of his hits, which have seen him sell more than 100 million records worldwide, and they were belted out on the Scenic Stage and of course included What's New Pussycat?, Delilah, and You Can Leave Your Hat On.

But he also performed several other smash hits by other artists including singing a fabulous version of Prince’s Kiss, Chuck Berry’s Go, Johnny Go! and Jerry Lee Lewis’ phenomenal hit, Great Balls Of Fire.

And I can tell you despite being in his 80s, he’s lost none of his lustre and his vocal cords really are pitch-perfect throughout every track he performs and was on stage for almost two hours.

The venue is also pefect for a gig, it’s inmate, jolly and illuminating as the night draws in and the many funfair lights dazzle the site.

The VIP area is also a delight, new speakers seem to have been erected on the elevated area and it was like Sir Tom was singing right next to you, so if you are ever going to a gig at Dreamland, it’s worth shelling out for a VIP ticket for the area.

Tom Jones on stage at Dreamland
Tom Jones on stage at Dreamland

Last night's show was perfect in every way, Sir Tom’s performance was stunning, the site runs well and the drinks are not too pricey, £6 for a pint of cider, it’s like being on the Green, Green Grass Of Home.

Sir Tom is not the only artist to perform this summer at the vintage funfair site as part of the Margate Summer Series, to find out more, click here.

The legendary singer really did celebrate his long career last night with his Ages and Stages tour, which will also visit Brighton this summer.

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