Sir Cliff Richard turns 86

Sir Cliff Richard celebrated his 86th birthday in style on Wednesday at London’s Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane.

Wine and cake celebration

He drank wine, ate cake and was swarmed by balloons during his special afternoon tea event.

Snake print jacket

The singer wore a jazzy snake print jacket in new pictures shared to his Instagram on Thursday.

Birthday toast

He toasted his birthday while blowing out candles on his cake covered in frosting.

Instagram post

Sir Cliff captioned his post: 'Thank you for all my amazing and thoughtful birthday wishes. I had a lovely day and celebrated with friends (& cake!)'

“Thank you for all my amazing and thoughtful birthday wishes. I had a lovely day and celebrated with friends (& cake!)”

New album release

The event marked the release of his forthcoming new album 'Only Number Ones' with exclusive tracks for fans.

Fan appreciation

Cliff said fans helped him reach number one and continue making music and touring.

“I am so thrilled to have been able to celebrate my 86th birthday with my fans. They have always been very special to me and are the reason why I continue to make music and tour.”

Cilla Black tribute

The singer paid a touching tribute to late close friend Cilla Black in his annual calendar.

2027 calendar

His 2027 calendar features a tie-dye jacket and shorts with a boat named 'Cilla'.

Cilla and Cliff friendship

Cliff and Cilla, who died in 2015 at the age of 72, had a close friendship for more than 50 years.

Calendar cover

The calendar cover shows the singer on a postage stamp standing in front of a cruise ship.

2027 calendar details

In one month, the calendar shows Cliff lying on a cream sofa with his first autobiography.

Calendar comments

Cliff said the calendar pictures are a small snapshot of wonderful times in May and June 2027.

“My favourite pastimes are travelling and spending quality time with friends and the pictures in the 2027 calendar are a small snapshot of some wonderful times in may and june this year in various locations.”

Calendar sales

The calendar has earned over £2million since 1979 and was the best-selling music star calendar in 2022.

Topless calendar

Fans had become accustomed to him posing topless, as he did in a swimming pool in 2022.

Final topless photo

Cliff said he had done his final topless photo for his annual calendar.

“I suspect i have done my final topless photo for my annual calendar... it's time to gracefully exit the chippendales market”