X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson brought the curtain down on Watford's Big Summer Sounds

The talent show’s 2010 runner up gave a sultry rendition of Billie Holiday classics to close the free event in The Parade on Sunday.

Other acts to take to the stage included West Herts College’s Midnight Trio, The Jive Aces and Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.

Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: “One of my priorities is reclaiming our town centre for everyone.

“Big Summer Sounds brought people from the whole community together to use our revamped events space by the pond and show that the town centre is for everyone to enjoy.

“This is the second large community event we've had in Watford in just two weeks, and there's a real buzz around town."

A small group of fans spoke to Rebecca Ferguson before the show. Samantha Ford’s daughter was one of the lucky few.

She said: “Big Summer Sounds was a perfect family day. There was a wonderful line-up of different bands and sounds and my nine-year-old daughter is now a huge fan of jive.

“She is also an enormous fan of Rebecca Ferguson and the icing on the cake was the chance to meet one of her singing idols.”

Richard Loftus also got to meet Rebecca before the show.

He said: “It was a real treat to meet Rebecca Ferguson.

“To be able to watch a performer of Rebecca’s magnitude for free is an admirable offering from the council, and one that we should applaud with as much gusto as Rebecca received on the night.”

The all-day concert was the latest in Watford Borough Council’s Big Events series.

The next event will be The Big Festival – which kicks off 16 days of liver performances and experiences from June 20.