Concert review - Erasure at Cannock Chase

Synthpop veterans Erasure and svelte singing star Sophie Ellis-Bextor had fans dancing in the rain at a sodden Cannock Chase Forest last night.

A steady downpour continued all through the first of the Forestry Commission concerts at BirchesValley.

Click on the image to the right for our concert photo gallery

But the wet conditions did not dishearten concertgoers who turned out in wet weather gear to enjoy a night of pop and disco classics.

Headliners Erasure delighted their fans with a set containing songs from all through their long career as well as new song Save Me.

It was classics like Sometimes, Oh L'amour and Breathe that really got the audience dancing – and singing along in the rain.

Pop Star to Opera Star contestant Andy Bell, resplendent in a sparkling scarlet jacket, was in fine voice.

A Little Respect brought the main set to a close before the singer and super cool diminutive synth maestro Vince Clarke returned to the stage hand in hand to deliver the encore Stop! "Go and have some cocoa and some whisky," urged Andy Bell as they waved goodbye.

Earlier Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who travelled to Cannock by train, delivered a classy set. Murder on the Dance Floor was the highlight delivered by the beautiful 32-year-old, closely followed by Take Me Home, Groovejet and Heartbreak.

Midwives from New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, were out in force in pink cowboy hats and determined to have fun despite the downpour.

l Simple Minds headline tonight.