Plan B plays at High Lodge in Thetford Forest Photograph Simon Parker

After bouncing on to the music scene in 2006 Plan B – real name Ben Drew – has reinvented rap and urban music. He was the second of six acts in the 2012 Thetford Forest gigs series and his performance did not disappoint.

By combining loud hard-hitting lyrics and gentle beats with soulful rhythms, the artist from east London has attracted fans from teenagers up to their parents.

He kicked off with Writing’s on the Wall which drew many cheers from the lively crowd. It was followed by other popular hits from his critically-acclaimed album The Defamation of Strickland Banks, released in 2010. These songs included Free, Welcome to Hell, Prayin’ and Love Goes Down. But it was The Recluse which really got the crowd going.

Plan B, who recently launched his debut film ill Manors, described the natural outdoor arena of the forest as a “beautiful setting.”

During the songs he got the crowd clapping, dancing and singing loudly. The audience really responded to the urban artist who wore his trademark suit. He performed in front of his iconic Defamation of Strickland Banks sign, a live band and mock jail bars.

Will Young will perform tonight in a sell-out concert.

Sophie Wyllie