Before last night's sold out performance at Thetford Forest I didn't really get Paloma Faith.

To me she was someone other people enthused about - a posh-sounding, fashion-conscious music maker with, perhaps, more style than substance.

Well, I was wrong and my wife was right, as were the 6000 or so other people who, complete with picnic chairs, rugs and bags of food, crammed into the gloriously intimate tree-lined venue on a beautiful summer's evening.

Taking to the stage a little before 9pm, after her support Marques Toliver had warmed up the masses, the singer-songwriter, whose first album, Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful was released in 2009, wowed the crowds with tracks from her debut as well as 2012 follow-up Fall to Grace.

Stone Cold Sober and her biggest chart hit, New York, which has sold more than a million copies, featured in Paloma's sassy set which got most of the audience from their chairs - and blankets - on to their feet for some feel-good fun and dance.

Picking up the Pieces, 30 Minute Love Affair and Just Be were also included in the performance which begun as the sun went down and ended in darkness but was illuminated by the star on stage.

It was a voluptuous vocal performance during which Paloma demonstrated a humorous side.

There were anecdotes too about trips to Norfolk and Thetford Forest - where she once thought wolves were going to get her.

But she need not have worried, last night there was no howling in Thetford Forest - just cheering and applause from a wildly appreciative crowd.

The Brit Award nominated songstress certainly had style - in a sparkling black and silver dress - but also showed me and the rest of those who flocked to the forest that she had plenty of substance too.

By Peter Walsh