The sun came out and so did the crowds.
Star of the show Anthony Strong wowed the audience at Summer Night Jazz at Plas Newydd on Anglesey.
The jazz sensation, who’s been compared to Jamie Cullum and Michael Bublé, was blown away by the stunning location overlooking the Menai Strait towards Snowdonia.
The pianist and singer with Welsh roots said: “I knew the setting was going to be beautiful but I am absolutely shell-shocked – it’s got to be one of the most idyllic places on earth.
“I’ve played almost every venue you can think of in my career so far but nothing as special as this. It’s incredible.
“It’s an event where people come to have fun. I live in London where people are a bit more reserved about letting their hair down. Everyone here has come to have a great time.
“I love coming to Wales. My grandparents live in Gwent so I feel an affinity for Wales. I have always loved it here.”
Strong was following in the footsteps of jazz greats like Humphrey Lyttleton, Kenny Ball and Acker Bill.
They had all played there when National Trust, who own Plas Newydd, organised a jazz festival more than a decade.
After an absence of seven years, the festival was revived last year and was a massive hit.
The event was again sponsored by Gaerwen-based home improvements specialists, Peninsula.
As well as the jazz night on Saturday night, last night there was a celebration of youth with local bands, choirs and orchestras taking part.
Organisers admitted the torrential rain in the weeks leading up to this year’s event had put a dampener on advance ticket sales but everything was alright on the night.
More than 1,000 jazz fans arrived with their picnic chairs and hampers as the evening got off to a lively start with a local Latin band, Banda Bacana, and a New Orleans-style jazz ensemble made up of members of Beaumaris Brass Band.
Next up were another local band, Dr Jazz, fronted by singer and trumpet player Gwyn Evans.
Apart from being Lead Music Tutor with Gwasanaeth Ysgolion William Mathias (William Mathias Schools’ Service), Gwyn is also the Musical Director of the multi-award winning Beaumaris Brass Band and one of the main organisers of Summer NIght Jazz.
Gwyn said: “With the weather we’ve had over the past few weeks, somebody up there is looking after us, there’s no two ways about it.
“We’ve got beautiful weather and the best festival location in the whole of the UK. There is a very special atmosphere here, there’s a warm, family-friendly feel to the festival.”
Lorraine Hopkins, a Director of sponsors Peninsula, was thrilled with “the feel-good vibe”.
She said: “This time last night we were in puddles and feeling a bit concerned but somehow we felt like it was going to go well anyway.
“We were still really positive and excited and we had the memory of last year when the weather was just as beautiful.
“I’ve heard the phrase about the sun shining on the righteous so many times this evening that I feel we must be doing okay.”
