{"id":98139,"date":"2023-08-26T21:12:42","date_gmt":"2023-08-26T21:12:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebritycovernews.com\/?p=98139"},"modified":"2023-08-26T21:12:42","modified_gmt":"2023-08-26T21:12:42","slug":"i-saw-benidorms-tom-jones-he-sounded-like-real-deal-but-you-had-to-squint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebritycovernews.com\/lifestyle\/i-saw-benidorms-tom-jones-he-sounded-like-real-deal-but-you-had-to-squint\/","title":{"rendered":"I saw Benidorms Tom Jones \u2013 he sounded like real deal but you had to squint"},"content":{"rendered":"
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    Choosing to spend your summer in a muddy British field is a rite of passage for many Brits. <\/p>\n

    But, splashing your cash on a Glastonbury or a Reading and Leeds ticket can leave your bank feeling like the morning after \u2013 worse for wear. <\/p>\n

    But Todd in the Hole might just be the answer to enjoying a festival on a budget.<\/p>\n

    READ MORE: 'I boarded worst flight from worst town in England to see if cheap trips are worth it'<\/b><\/p>\n

    The festival just off the A1 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is home to a three-day weekend full of tribute acts.<\/p>\n

    I went along to the Saturday \u2013 in the middle day \u2013 to see the knock-off versions of Elton John, Oasis and Tom Jones \u2013 oh and the actual <\/i>Pat Sharp was there for an after party DJ set too.<\/p>\n

    A record-breaking 15,000 people turned up for the fourth year of the family friendly festival \u2013 even though the summer washout weather was thoroughly present.<\/p>\n

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    That didn't stop *ahem* 'Sexbomb Benidorm Tom' gracing the stage in one of the prime time evening slots.<\/p>\n

    The heavily-tanned performer is famous for his tribute to the Welsh music maestro.<\/p>\n

    And if you're overdue a Specsavers appointment then you wouldn't be a fool for thinking he's the legitimate 'She's a Lady' singer.<\/p>\n

    'Benidorm Tom' makes for a brilliant act alone whose uncanny voice \u2013 and appearance if you squint \u2013 commanded the audience of mums, boozy blokes and excitable kids.<\/p>\n

    Tom 2.0 could even give the real deal a run for his money as he reeled off the bucket load of hits from 'Delilah' and, of course, 'Sex Bomb'.<\/p>\n

    Wanting to avoid the rain, I sat underneath the cover of one of the bars. I'm sure Benidorm Tom would understand, well, the real deal did famously say 'baby, it's cold outside'.<\/p>\n

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    As I sheltered while listening to him belt out 'You Can Leave Your Hat On', I wondered if we were going to get a Full Monty experience (this is the Benidorm version of Tom after all.)<\/p>\n

    Sadly there was no stripping, but some blokes I perched on a bench with did mutter "he sounds like the real thing".<\/p>\n

    I had to agree. <\/p>\n

    Despite being in a down poured field off the A1, Benidorm Tom Jones certainly brought the Costa Blanca with him through his glowy complexion and ability to get Brits in a frenzy.<\/p>\n

    Next, we were treated to a performance by "Definitely not Oasis".<\/p>\n

    The Liam Gallagher lookalike managed to get folks on shoulders, and young and old singing the biggest hits of the 90's wonder band, and even nailed his stance to a T.<\/p>\n

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    I almost had to question if Liam and Noel resolved their historical squabble and came back for Knebworth round two, albeit a little further down the road this time. <\/p>\n

    Then it was time to end the concert with a bang.<\/p>\n

    As the sun started to set 'Rocket Man' lit up the stage with his Elton John tribute.<\/p>\n

    He was fuelled with energy and even was capable of rattling out tunes on the piano too. <\/p>\n

    The stage production was really well done for a small festival which added to that 'could it actually be him' delusional internal thought process.<\/p>\n

    Glastonbury who?<\/p>\n

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    At the front of the crowd, the ground was a bit muddy \u2013 but that was to be expected \u2013 so I watched some of the show from a ferris wheel.<\/p>\n

    I'm Still Standing was belted out by the tribute band under the colourful stage lights as I watched from the turning attraction.<\/p>\n

    And I hoped I was still able to stand straight after that too. <\/p>\n

    Elton John 2.0 finished the night with a bang \u2013 before festival-goers headed to the after party in the woods hosted by Pat Sharp \u2013 and not an impersonation of him. <\/p>\n

    Get all the biggest Lifestyle news straight to your inbox. Sign up for the free Daily Star Hot Topics newsletter<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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    He played a mix of club anthems and cheesy hits \u2013 from Ibiza tracks to The Killers favourite Mr Brightside.<\/p>\n

    The bars were still operating including a cocktail van full of spicy margaritas and martinis for the more high brow festival crowd. <\/p>\n

    As the night drew to a close, a free shuttle service to the train station helped some get home.<\/p>\n

    Or alternatively, revellers could bunker down in the campsite.<\/p>\n

    It's safe to say Todd in the Hole was a big success!<\/p>\n

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    \u201cWe\u2019re absolutely overwhelmed by the success of the festival this year," co-founder David Nye said.<\/p>\n

    "Against extremely challenging weather conditions our amazing team behind the scenes made sure the show still safely went on and our visitors had a fantastic experience.<\/p>\n

    "We can\u2019t thank them enough for donning their wellies and bringing their smiles.\u201d<\/p>\n

    And co-founder Mark Watts added that he was "blown away by the Todd love."<\/p>\n

    Along with its budget tickets, Z-list masking rock 'n' roll hall of fame line up, wellie and mullet rocking Todd team, Todd in the Hole feels like it's starting to pave its way as a real contender on the festival circuit. <\/p>\n

    If Lewis Hamilton doesn't want to put Stevenage on the map, then it looks like Todd in the Hole gladly will. <\/p>\n

    Tickets for Todd in the Hole 2024 are already on sale, with Adult Weekend Tickets starting from \u00a381, Teen (12-17 years) starting from \u00a339 and kids (4-11 years) starting from \u00a326 and younger tots get free entry. <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

    Day tickets start from \u00a329.50 for adults, for more information you can access the Todd in the Hole website, here. <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n