ELTON John famously sang Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, but by the time he took to the stage for his Sunday night show at Blenheim Palace, it had long since been replaced by grey cloud and rain.

For the hundreds of fans gathered in the Great Court of the Woodstock stately home, however, the unseasonal weather did little to dampen spirits – with fans leaving their seats to dance along to a medley of the flamboyant pianist's greatest hits, which came thick and fast from the off with Bennie and the Jets and Daniel.

I'm so sorry about the weather, but I've been saying that all summer," said the artist, wearing a bright red shirt and shoes and a patterned coat, before a melancholy I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues, with images of raindrops projected on a screen.

New songs from latest album Wonderful Crazy Night, went down well among a crowd for whom the top fashion choice was the ubiquitous plastic rain poncho – though one group of lads invoked the spirit of Glastonbury by removing their shirts, and donning flower garlands.

However, the biggest cheers and most enthusiastic dancing were reserved for the classics – among them an extended version Rocket Man, which won over even the more subdued members of the audience further back – some sheltering out of the rain under the grand archway.

Elton seemed genuinely thrilled, standing after every song and walking to the front of the stage with a toothy grin to thank the crowd, but also to egg them on with waves of his arms.

Tiny Dancer was well received, but the roof came off (or it would have done had there been one), for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – with a mass bout of audience participation for the sing-along chorus.

"I've been doing this for 47 years and it's been the best journey you could ever imagine. And one thing has been constant: you!" he told us. "You've helped me through the good times and a lot of the bad times."

By the time he got to I'm Still Standing, many of us were also on our feet, staying up for Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting.

"You've been amazing," he said. "I can't tell you how much we've enjoyed ourselves... we've had a blast!"

A heartfelt encore of Candle in the Wind, saw lit mobiles held aloft - before a final fling to Crocodile Rock.

The show topped off four days of live music featuring Italian film score composer Ennio Morricone on Friday; Irish pop group The Corrs and west Oxfordshire singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti, on Friday; and the The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra playing the music from the Bond movies on Saturday.

For reviews, go to oxfordtimes.co.uk