Blenheim Palace’s Nocturne Live festival has been attracting some top musicians in recent years, including Elton John and Jamie Cullum.

Here we look back at some photos from the Great Courtyard in recent years.

The popular festival did not go ahead this year due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

But it will return in 2022, from June 16-19.

Oxford Mail:

Singer songwriter David Gray will start the festival on June 16 and soul legend Lionel Richie will headline on the last night.

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In 2017, Motown came to Nocturne as a crowd of 9,000 music lovers danced along to pop and soul stars The Jacksons, for the finale of Blenheim Palace's Nocturne festival.

The band, featuring brothers Tito, Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon, had the crowd on their feet for a hit-packed set celebrating 50 years of the band, and evoking the glory days of Detroit's legendary record label.

Oxford Mail:

Tito said in 2017: "We are celebrating 50 years of The Jacksons and have a heck of a show. It has been a little while since we were here so it's good to be back."

They treated the audience on the hottest day of the year to such hits as Can You Feel It, I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, and I'll Be There.

And they dedicated a section of the show to their late brother Michael.

The band was supported by Jersey City disco band Kool and the Gang – still featuring original bass player Robert 'Kool' Bell and his saxophonist brother Ronald. Tunes included classics Cherish, Jungle Boogie and Celebration.

Oxford Mail:

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The night of pop and disco rounded off a spectacular four days of music for Nocturne, which saw up to 36,000 people through the gates of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the Saturday night in 2017 there was a night of jazz and soul with Jamie Cullum, Gregory Porter and Corinne Bailey Rae.

Festival director Ciro Romano said at the time: "You'd be hard pressed to find a more perfect setting for a concert series than the Great Court at Blenheim Palace and its wonderful surroundings.

Oxford Mail:

"We've worked really hard over the last three years to refine what we do with Nocturne and are delighted that this year's event has been such an overwhelming success on so many levels."