Daniel Bedingfield

>Thetford Forest

As the artist kept saying - you couldn't have had a better night out.

In the late evening sun, Thetford Forest looked magnificent and provided exactly the right setting for those ballads of newcomer Lucie Silvas and chart-topper Daniel Bedingfield. As the crowds, which included lots of children making for a lovely family feel, tucked into their picnics or opted for the on-site hog roasts and barbecues, the air was filled with good old-fashioned great singing, with no need for gimmicks or fancy dance routines.

Silvas, rivalling Bedingfield's sister Natasha as the current hot babe of the music scene, showed her talents by being at times gospel inspired, yet was probably at her best with soulful numbers like Forget Me Not. Look out for her new single Don't Look Back, which is released next week.

Bedingfield, on stage from 9pm, has perhaps not yet recaptured the success he enjoyed before his near-fatal car crash in early 2004, but leapt on stage in real Robbie Williams showman mood.

The New Zealand-born singer, best known for anthems such as Gotta Get Thru This, I Can't Reach You and If You're Not the One, also offered a new number, Fire Light, and even his own version of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean.

As a Blickling Hall open-air concert fan for many years, I am afraid my allegiance is turning. At Thetford, parking is better, so are the loos, and there is less of a corporate feel. It's small, friendly and just a bit more hip!