On Friday (29th August) the historic grounds of Hitchin Priory transformed into a sea of adoring fans as Jess Glynne headlined the "Hitchin Heatwave" evening of the Hitchin Priory Summer Series.

With support from Charlotte Plank, Remember Monday, and DJ Richelle, Glynne delivered a standout performance under the summer sky that left the crowd buzzing long after the final note faded.

Jess Glynne, born in North London, rose to prominence with unforgettable collaborations such as Clean Bandit's "Rather Be" and Route 94's "My Love," both hitting number one on the UK Singles Chart

Her debut solo album I Cry When I Laugh (2015) featured chart-toppers like "Hold My Hand" and "Don't Be So Hard on Yourself," and her follow-up Always In Between (2018) made history when "I'll Be There" marked her seventh UK number‑one single, making her the first British female solo artist to achieve that feat

From the moment the gates opened at around 16:00, the atmosphere was electric. Fans of all ages gathered beneath warm skies in this charming outdoor venue—an intimate yet energetic setting perfect for Glynne's brand of emotive pop-soul.

For those unfamiliar with the Priory concerts there were plenty of food trucks on site as well as shops selling the classic festival garb (funky sunglasses, eclectic hats etc.) A largeish VIP section ran along a flank of the venue allowing more space for those willing to pay for it. Automatic drinks machines – perhaps a harbinger of the future of live music – allowed punters pints without the need to queue for long.

Special guest Charlotte Plank set the tone early, delivering an energetic, modern set that warmed the crowd up beautifully. Remember Monday added another flavourful layer with their eclectic indie-pop energy beforehand, as DJ Richelle spun a set that had the audience dancing and singing along even before Glynne's entrance.

When Jess Glynne finally took to the stage clad in black, the energy elevated. She launched into show‑openers like "I'll Be There," immediately showcasing her remarkable vocal control and emotional range. Her voice, both powerful and nuanced, soared across the Priory's grounds, effortlessly carrying the melodic hooks that fans have adored for years.

The set spanned her greatest hits: "Hold My Hand" elicited a thunderous sing-along, and emotionally charged numbers like "Don't Be So Hard on Yourself" resonated deeply. Her connection with the audience was obvious —she smiled often, traded words and banter, and even encouraged the crowd to take over key choruses. In quieter moments, Glynne slowed things down with more soulful renditions, drawing intimate, rapt attention from the crowd.

Glynne, who temporarily deleted her social media accounts back in 2021, spoke between songs to her fans telling them how proud she was to have her three-year-old niece in the audience for the first time and reminded them to avoid the pressures of modern life telling them - "You don't need to drive to be perfect".

The visual production was minimal but effective—a tasteful mix of lighting and stagecraft that kept the focus on her voice, personality, and emotional delivery. As the concert wound down with an encore of crowd-pleasers, the cheers and applause felt heartfelt and unrehearsed.

The performance was a triumph of emotion, vocal prowess, and genuine fan-artist connection. In the idyllic setting of Hitchin Priory, she demonstrated why she remains one of Britain's most beloved contemporary pop voices. Whether long-time fans or newcomers, anyone present on that summer evening was treated to her warmth, her strength as a performer, and the irresistible joy at the heart of her music.