Review: Olly Murs delights fans at 'magical' Staffordshire venue

If there’s one thing that can be guaranteed at an Olly Murs concert it’s a party atmosphere – and Cannock Chase on Saturday night (June 29) was no different. The cheeky chappy from Essex who shot to fame thanks to the X Factor was part of a series of gigs at forests across the UK featuring some incredible performers.

Called Forest Live and thanks to Forestry England, the setting for this concert was magical. Birches Valley is a really stunning venue in the heart of Cannock Chase and is set in a natural amphitheatre.

Murs – fresh from a massive tour with Take That and supported by the Germein Sisters and Daniel Bedingfield – ended what has been a superb three-night run for music lovers at Cannock Chase following appearances earlier in the week from Anne Marie, Johnny Marr and the Charlatans. And last night, hitmaker Murs didn’t disappoint.

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Forest Live is always such a chilled out way to enjoy the music on offer – there are loads of families, little kids and older people all gathered together to enjoy a good night. And, as usual, Murs provided the atmosphere for this particular party.

Dressed in black trousers with a black vest and unbuttoned shirt, he began his set with Change is Gonna Come. What followed was a night of full-on energy and fun – and a whole lotta of love.

Murs has always been such a great entertainer, working the crowd into a frenzy with his boundless energy, gyrating hips and cute little moves and of course, the shirt came off at one point – much to the delight of the screaming fans. Murs sang a whole selection of some of his best songs, concentrating in this gig on some of his earlier hits including That Girl, Dear Darlin, Heart on My Sleeve and Heart Skips a Beat.

There was also a section of the show with a medley of some of Take That’s biggest hits, with Murs quipping: ‘I watched them every night (on tour), I know the words.’

He has always had a good rapport with his fans and there’s always lots of interaction. Spotting a young lad in the crowd proudly waving a handmade banner declaring ‘My name is Olly, nice to meet you’ – a reference to one of Murs’ earliest hits Dance With Me Tonight , Murs took the chance to jump down into the crowd to speak to his namesake and even got the crowd to chant his name. A night ‘little Olly’ will remember for years to come, no doubt.

Murs really is one of the best entertainers around, with huge stage presence. He has charisma and a cheeky personality and that, together with his smooth dance moves, always creates such a wonderful and happy atmosphere.

Cannock Chase certainly came alive with Murs’ performance and after a rendition of Troublemaker that had the whole Forest bouncing, everyone left this stunning venue still singing – and with a smile on their face.

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