It's been a long long time: Looking back at Sir Elton John's legendary two-night concert in Northamptonshire

It's been 20 years since pop icon Sir Elton John played his legendary two-night set at Northamptonshire's Castle Ashby in 2000 for his Stately Home tour.

The two sold-out shows on July 23 and 24 saw the music megastar entertain the crowds for nearly three hours each night with just his voice and his piano, with no band of back-up musicians.

Classics such as Sacrifice and Rocket Man entertained the massive crowd as he played for hours straight with only a short break for a costume change and to sign an autograph.

And, as fans braved the drizzle at the open-air concert, the singer-songwriter closed both nights with Candle in the Wind, the song he modified for Princess Diana's funeral three years before.

As Chronicle & Echo reporter Rob Midleton wrote 20 years ago: "With Castle Ashby as the backdrop for the latest in the series of concerts at stately homes across the UK, the only thing missing from the occasion was a summer's evening.

"The star only stopped briefly in the performance for a quick costume change and to sign autographs, but with no backing band or other musicians he kept the audience entertained for almost three hours with just his voice and piano."