James Morrison and Jools Holland make Live and Down Hall concerts a hit
The inaugural Live at Down Hall concerts attracted more than 4,000 music fans.
The two-day event in the grounds of the Hatfield Heath hotel and spa saw Jools Holland and his sensational Rhythm & Blues Orchestra headline on Saturday evening, with James Morrison wowing crowds on Father's Day.
Jools was joined by his 20-piece band and special guests Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall, Mabel Ray and The Selecter – for a set of boogie-woogie, jazz, swing, R&B and British ska which had everyone up on their feet.
The crowd included Twig Smith and Annabel Cowley, the winners of the first Indies Community Champions award with passes provided by Down Hall as part of their prize.
The Indie's music writer Tom Ryder opened for James Morrison on Sunday, serenading the crowd with his own compositions and covers.
Morrison pleased his fans with hits from his first couple of albums such as Broken Strings, You Give Me Something and Undiscovered, and new material with songs from his comeback album You're Stronger Than You Know, which was released earlier this year.
The event also showcased Down Hall's hospitality with a range of al fresco picnic or afternoon tea packages for fans, a VIP barbecue and food options included a new concept from Michelin-starred London restaurant, Pied à Terre, as well as Mexican, American and Italian stands.
There was also a bar dispensing the likes of Champagne Devaux, Aviation Gin and Pimm's, as well as sweet treats from Down Hall's partners Gü Puds from Bishop's Stortford and the award-winning Rossi Ice Cream, created by the father of Status Quo legend Francis Rossi.
The Eden Spa Therapy Tent gave attendees the chance to unwind and relax with express luxury facials and body treatments throughout the weekend.
TV presenter, Hayley Sparkes, said: "I had the perfect weekend. It was hard to believe that this was the first ever Live at Down Hall event. The organisation and hospitality were exceptional and it ran so smoothly on both days."
Down Hall's general manager, Mark O'Reilly, said: "The artists created a fantastic buzz and atmosphere, and both put on sensational performances that were complemented by the unique, luxury, surroundings of the hotel to give an open-air music event a completely different feel."
