BRIT Award-winning singer Tom Walker said he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the town centre at the weekend - and is hoping to return back to Barnsley and its ‘amazing fans’ in the near future.
The popstar, from Scottish town Kilsyth, has an average seven million monthly listeners on Spotify.
After performing a free gig in Tamworth earlier on in the year, the 32-year-old took to social media asking his fans where he should perform next.
Surprisingly, Barnsley came out on top and he performed two free gigs for locals in the Glass Works square on Saturday.
And even Tom was shocked with the support he received.
He told the Chronicle: “It was absolutely amazing to be in Barnsley.
“I didn’t know quite what to expect from it all.
“When we did the gig in Tamworth people were so appreciative because it’s those kinds of towns that don’t get as many gigs.
“I put a call out on social media as to where we should go next and Barnsley was the most requested area.”
It was revealed last Thursday that Tom would be playing in the town centre and, despite giving locals only a few days’ notice, they didn’t disappoint.
“We only announced it on the Thursday - I was shocked with how many people turned up,” he added.
“I’d say there was around 2,000 people there - the first gig was so busy and then the second in the afternoon was even busier.
“We definitely didn’t bring a big enough speaker - there was just so many people.”
It was the first time the popstar, whose hit songs include Leave A Light On, had performed in Barnsley - but he’s adamant that it won’t be his last.
“I’ve passed through Barnsley before but it’s the first time I’ve been here for an extended period of time,” he said.
“The people are just so lovely.
“Everyone was absolutely amazing.
“I love playing up north - I’d love to come back to Barnsley.”
Playing alongside him was well-known Barnsley artist Tom Masters.
And the popstar, who is set to release his new album I AM on May 31, said he was happy to be able to showcase one of the town’s top talents.
“Tom reached out to us,” he added.
“He’d done covers before of some of my songs and I thought it would be class to try and get him on stage.
“He’s so talented with what he does.
“He absolutely smashed it.”
Tom Masters said that the singer had been an ‘influence on him for years’ - and relished the chance to play in front of a packed-out town centre.
He said: “To every single person who made so much noise on social media these last few days.
“To everyone who came down to catch my set.
“Your outpouring of kindness and support will never be lost on me.
“I’m thanking you all forever.”
