Anne-Marie review: Star has The Voice for Thetford Forest

As a Britpop veteran with seven Oasis gigs under my belt as well as Blur, Shed Seven, Happy Mondays and Primal Scream among my personal concert back catalogue, I’m more used to moshing than bopping.

But the wife had wanted to see her, so we went along.

Anne-Marie performing at Thetford Forest (Image: Lee Blanchflower)

Now, while I had seen Anne-Marie as a judge on hit TV show The Voice UK and knew she has had some chart success, I didn't know too much else about her.

So, Friday's performance, as part of the Thetford Forest Live 2023 series which also includes the likes of Paul Weller and Tom Grennan, was something of an education.

Anne-Marie performing at Thetford Forest. Image: Lee Blanchflower (Image: Lee Blanchflower)

I learnt that the Essex-born star, a karate black belt and former three-time world champion, has a diverse and loyal following - young and old were among the crowd, with teenage girls massed at the front.

I also learnt she can command a stage and an audience with her slick mix of pop, grime and R&B. 

Anne-Marie performing at Thetford Forest. Image: Lee Blanchflower (Image: Lee Blanchflower)

The singer who started out with UK band Rudimental, took to the stage saying: "Hello everybody, there's so many people; what a beautiful setting."

She laughed and chatted freely with the audience as she performed her set, which featured tracks like Rockabye, a former UK number one; 2002, a collaboration with Suffolk-raised star Ed Sheeran; Psycho and Unhealthy, which is from her new album out next month.

Anne-Marie, who was ably supported by special guest Mae Stephens, seemed to be appreciative of the crowd that had come out to see her and genuinely pleased to be there.

Mae Stephens performing at Thetford Forest. Image: Lee Blanchflower (Image: Lee Blanchflower)

READ MORE: Tom Grennan, Thetford Forest review: A party in the woods

During the set she engaged with the audience - took selfies with them, had bras and quinoa thrown up at her and also went down and hugged and high-fived her adoring fans at the front of the stage.

Anne-Marie performing at Thetford Forest. Image: Lee Blanchflower (Image: Lee Blanchflower)

It was an infectious performance from the likeable songstress which would certainly have got me to turn my chair for her were I a judge on The Voice UK.

The gig was part of Forestry England’s Forest Live concert series running in Thetford Forest until June 18.