IT WAS standing room only at High Barn in Great Bardfield as David Sneddon, winner of BBC s Fame Academy, appeared at the venue on Saturday night (December 16). It is the second time the singer-songwriter has played at the 800-year-old barn that is fast b

IT WAS standing room only at High Barn in Great Bardfield as David Sneddon, winner of BBC's Fame Academy, appeared at the venue on Saturday night (December 16).

It is the second time the singer-songwriter has played at the 800-year-old barn that is fast becoming one of the major places for artists to perform.

Mr Sneddon played a 90-minute set comprising the hits he had after winning the reality television programme, cover versions including Elton John's Rocket Man, and new material he has written and is featured on his new EP.

"This is an amazing venue to play at," said Mr Sneddon during his performance.

"I would rather play here than Wembley. The sound is fantastic. I love it."

The performance was very much stripped down with only two musicians on stage: Mr Sneddon on the High Barn's grand piano, Sophie, and a guitarist.

James Munson, an engineer at the venue, said: "The crowd loved him. He's a very talented performer and he played a great set that obviously went down well with the audience."

Joanna Eden from Saffron Walden supplied the support act who played a 30-minute set of songs described as a mix between jazz and pop.