Tom Grennan proud to sing in 'beautiful Bedford'

Singer Tom Grennan hailed his homecoming gig in Bedford, saying it "wasn't just my show, but everybody's show".

He took to the stage at the Bedford Summer Sessions festival, in Bedford Park on Saturday.

Speaking to the BBC before the gig the 31-year-old said: "I've always wanted to make my home town proud and I feel like tonight I'm gonna do that.

"It's a celebration of somebody who has done alright from Bedford and I'm very happy to be the one on this stage shouting about this town. It's a beautiful town."

During his set, the Lionheart singer made several references to Bedford, including playing football, busking in the town and even having his first kiss in the park.

Fan, Orla, was given tickets to see Grennan as an 11th birthday present from her parents on Friday.

Her big day was made even more special when, while driving her daughter to school on Friday, her mother, Leanne, spotted Grennan on a Bedford street doing some filming.

After she pulled over, he agreed to take a photo with the family.

"He was really friendly, he said 'of course I'll take a picture'. "He said 'happy birthday, I hope you have an amazing day'," said Leanne.

Orla added: "He was really friendly and happy," calling it the "best present ever".

Alfie, 10, was attending his first gig with his mum and dad, Lisa and Kevin, all from Luton.

He got the chance to meet Grennan backstage, describing it as an "absolutely incredible" experience.

Asked by the singer what he was looking forward to he agreed it was the "energy" of the gig.

The two even also discussed England's chances at the World Cup.

Alfie told Grennan "I'm not very confident with Mexico," with Grennan agreeing.

The singer added: "But you know what, whatever happens, we'll still scream and we'll still shout won't we?"

Grennan also told the youngster he had never been a Luton Town supporter despite having previously played for them, saying he was actually a Coventry City fan.

Among those attending was St Thomas More Catholic Secondary School deputy head, Carole Soraghan, who was Grennan's form tutor for three years.

She said: "He always had star quality. I'm so proud of him. He's amazing.

"He really found his voice in sixth form and we realised what a star he was".

Ceri Hodgkin was wearing her Grennan T-Shirt and had travelled from Stratford-upon-Avon. She has seen him perform 12 times previously.

"I love him. I want him to be my best friend. I want us to go bowling and sing songs together," she said.

Her friend, Claire Morton, was seeing Grennan perform for the first time.

"I think it must be really special for him to come back home and sing his songs to a home crowd," she said.

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