Singer-songwriter Myles Smith told fans he was “so happy to be home” as he performed a surprise pop-up gig in Luton.
Hundreds gathered to watch the 28-year-old play hits including Stargazing and Drive Safe in St George’s Square.
Monday’s free homecoming show was ahead of Smith releasing his debut album, My Mess, My Heart, My Life, on Friday.
“For anyone who aspires to do more and wants to go further, I’m proof you can do it,” he said, also giving shout-outs to the local schools he had been to.
Excitement in the town was amplified by Smith’s barber offering free haircuts, while roads and even a fish and chip shop were temporarily named after him.
Smith is seen as one of Britain’s biggest breakthrough artists and is due to go on tour with Ed Sheeran.