By Gillian Ellison

Last updated at 17:37, Saturday, 02 June 2012

ON Saturday opera star Katherine Jenkins sang for the Queen – but on Friday night her heart and soul was truly in Whitehaven.

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She wowed the sell-out harbourside audience and delivered a sensational opener to this year’s Whitehaven Diamond Jubilee Festival.

Almost 2,000 people enjoyed the evening concert which was the first one the 31-year-old has performed in three months as she has been in America taking part in Dancing With The Stars.

In this return visit to the town she told her audience: “It’s so lovely to be back in Whitehaven. I remember the concert two years ago. Thank you for having me back, last time was such a memorable concert for me.” And, against a backdrop of clear blue skies, she asked: “Is the sun always shining in Whitehaven?”

Accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra, Katherine performed a range of songs including Amazing Grace, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Pie Jesu, Shirley Bassey’s I Who Have Nothing and Time To Say Goodbye.

The soprano was beautifully – and patriotically – dressed. First in a white dress, then blue and then glittering red before the finale which saw her on stage in striking purple.

Runner-up in Dancing With The Stars, the US version of Strictly Come Dancing, Katherine said she was delighted to be back in the UK.

“I had an amazing time learning to dance but it’s really lovely to be back home. This is the first time I have sung a concert in three months so I’m very glad to be back doing the day job.”

In a real and genuine rapport with the audience, Katherine read out requests, sang Happy Birthday and one fan even shouted “Marry me”.

Andrew Keep, of St Bees, said: “This is so good for Whitehaven, it really puts us on the map.” George Short, also of St Bees, added: “It’s such an intimate venue, no matter where you sit the view is brilliant.”

Festival organiser Gerard Richardson said: “It was absolutely breathtaking, Katherine just gets better and better.”

First published at 17:36, Saturday, 02 June 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk