Very changeable weather did nothing to dampen the atmosphere as thousands of music fans flocked to Blenheim Palace for the Nocturne Festival.

“The queen of funk” Chaka Khan opened the five-night Nocturne Live concert series, celebrating 50 years in the music business and received a great reception for eagerly awaited hits including I'm Every Woman.

The 10-time Grammy winner, now 71, was on a triple bill alongside Sister Sledge and The Fatback Band who stole the show with incredible vocals and got the crowd dancing.

M People's Heather Small takes a selfie with fans (Image: Joe Baxter PR)

The 10,000 seat outdoor courtyard enjoyed the voice of 90s group M People Heather Small and one of the most successful synth-pop acts of the 80s Heaven 17 on Friday.

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They were joined by 80s music icon Marc Almond and electro pop pioneers Soft Cell performing ground-breaking hits such as  Tainted Love and Say Hello, Wave Goodbye.

And on Saturday a triple bill of three era-defining British pop acts former Spice Girl Melanie C and All Saints singer Shaznay Lewis were joined by the original line-up of the Sugababes.

Grammy-winning US singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow  (Image: Joe Baxter PR)

The series closed on Sunday with multi-million-selling Australian pop group Crowded House, nine-time Grammy-winning US singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, and Mercury and Brit-nominated duo Turin Brakes.

Since its inception in 2015 Nocturne Live has gone on to become one of the UK’s most popular stately home concert experiences.

Over the years the series has presented shows from huge international stars including the likes of Lionel Ritchie, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Nile Rodgers, Lauryn Hill, Noel Gallagher, Gregory Porter, Van Morrison, Gladys Knight, Elvis Costello, Simple Minds and Ennio Morricone amongst many others.