Reviews by Jayne Bennett, Marion Sauvebois and Alexandra Womack

THE SUN was out and the picnic packed - what better way to start the Summer Live series of sold-out concerts at Westonbirt Arboretum than with music courtesy of Blondie and support from the Lightning Seeds.

This was not the first time that the American songstress and her band have performed at Westonbirt, but fans were still eager to come along and hear the post-punk classics that many of us have grown up with. Beginning with One Way or Another, Debbie Harry - now 67 - started on a high note and kept up the pace throughout a full 90-minute set, thrilling fans old and new with favourites including Hanging on the Telephone, The Tide is High, Maria, Atomic, Call Me, Dreaming and Heart of Glass.

It’s probably true to say that most would have been happy with a ‘Best of Blondie’ set list, but the band were keen to prove that they can still produce great new music with the best of them.

Okay, so some of those high notes in ‘Maria’ did see a bit of stretch, but Debbie is still in fine voice, despite the passing of the decades. Even if those at the back could make out little more than the signature peroxide blonde hair, this diva still knows how to make a party rock.

Support came from the Lightning Seeds, who once ruled the charts with high energy electro-pop hits. What a shame, then, that their seemingly half-hearted acoustic set did nothing to raise the spirits of the crowd, who had to rely on the main act to get the party started.

On Saturday, the storm clouds gathered for Paloma Faith, with support from Marquis Toliver. However, Paloma refused to let the horrendous summer weather spoil a great show, despite performing to a crowd who were all drenched to the bones.

Her sultry, husky voice, blend of jazz, swing and pop melodies, clever lyrics and her hilariously self-deprecating asides made for one of the most memorable live performances many had had the pleasure to attend.

The moment she intoned the first words to Stone Cold Sober, the audience was in raptures, singing along, screaming at the top of their lungs for some, and clapping. New York followed and by the time Blood, Sweat and Tears began a few minutes later, the crowd had launched into frantic jumping and dancing dutifully obeying the singer's strict orders to dance and fight the rain.

Finishing off with her catchiest song to date, Picking up the Pieces, Paloma Faith proved she was an incredible live performer, leaving spectators begging for more.

Happily the rain held off on Sunday, leaving the way clear for cheeky chap and teen heartthrob Olly Murs to delight the crowd.

Support for the Essex pop star came from fellow X-Factor contestant Diana Vickers, whose short but cheerful set helped the crowd get in the mood for this final concert of Westonbirt’s June series.

With two large screens incorporated into his set – a rarity for Forestry Commission gigs – and his logo in glittering lights above the stage, this was a family show with a party atmosphere.

Olly, who at the age of just 29 has already had four number one singles, was on top form as he put his heart and soul into each and every number which included his first release Please Don’t Let Me Go, I Need You Now and the foot-tapping Dance With Me Tonight.

His current single, the emotional Dear Darling, brought rapturous applause from the crowd he’d already won over with his charisma, teasing of the girls in the front row that he’d put them in detention and several intimations that the eligible bachelor was indeed single.

Equally popular was a medley of disco hits which saw mums and dads boogying with their children undeterred by the darkening skies.

With no encore but finishing with his two greatest hits, Heart Skips a Beat and Troublemaker, Murs proved a delight to watch for all ages.

The next three Music Live concerts at Westonbirt take place July 19–21, when the Forestry Commission hosts Jessie J, Paul Weller and Jools Holland.