Thousands of music lovers descended on Blenheim Palace over the weekend for three nights of live entertainment in glorious surroundings.

Chart-topping singer-songwriter James Blunt, boy band Westlife, and pianist Jools Holland attracted gig-goers from across the country to Woodstock, for the palace's Summer Nights concert series.

The 18th century stately home, a World heritage site, proved the perfect setting for the open-air shows. And many people made the most of the glorious weather by enjoying picnics and cool drinks on the lawns before the shows.

The weekend kicked off on Friday night with a show by Westlife, and wound up last night with a lively performance by Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

The biggest crowds, however, were for former British army captain James Blunt, on Saturday, who delighted a capacity crowd of 16,000 with a selection of his self-penned songs, including multiple platinum selling single You're Beautiful.

While previous concerts at Blenheim have taken place in the palace's grand courtyard, the weekend's shows were held in the grounds, complete with giant video screens.

Saturday's sell-out show led to congestion on routes between Oxford and Woodstock, with tailbacks stretching back to Yarnton. But neither traffic jams, nor the disappointment of England's penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Portugal, dampened fans enthusiasm.

And Blunt was keen to dispel lingering World Cup woes. "We came here to celebrate!" he told the crowd, before launching into a bittersweet set featuring highpoints from debut album, Back To Bedlam, including the songs Wisemen and No Bravery.

The singer, whose army career saw him posted to Kosovo as a Nato peacekeeper, also showed film footage shot by himself in the former Yugoslav province.

One fan, Sonia Cury, on holiday from Sao Paulo, in Brazil, was left delighted by the show. "It was incredible," she said. "The weather was great, the setting is beautiful, and James put on a great show.

"The only disappointment was finding out afterwards that Brazil had been kicked out of the World Cup. I'm glad I decided to watch the concert instead of the match!"

Last night's show by Jools Holland and his band proved the perfect finale to the musical weekend, with the audience dancing along to an irresistible blend of jazz, rock & roll and boogie-woogie.

Among those enjoying the show by the former Squeeze keyboard player, were Pam and David Ryan, who travelled down from Market Bosworth, in Leicestershire, who said: "You really couldn't ask for a better setting for a concert. It was a perfect summer night!"