One way or another with top pop queens Blondie and Paloma Faith on Cannock Chase

Blondie and chart-topper Paloma Faith saw more than 10,000 people travel to Cannock Chase for two days of incredible sell-out performances.

Headlining the weekend was platinum blonde star Debbie Harry joined by her five-piece rock band, featuring two musicians from the original influential line-up – drummer Clem Burke and Blondie co-founder Chris Stein on guitar.

Now aged 67, Harry looked incredible as she gave a lively performance at the Birches Valley venue, showing off the unmistakably unique voice which marked an era.

The audience went wild as the six-piece played a full range of their top hits including Dreaming, Heart of Glass, Atomic, Maria and Call Me.

The US band, founded in the mid-1970s, also played a selection of their new material and covered songs by other pop legends, including Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Relax.

Darren Bickley from Great Wyrley attended Blondie's Saturday night show for his 24th anniversary with wife Sharon.

"It was really brilliant," said 44-year-old Mr Bickley of Lambourne Close.

"The concert was amazing and it was so well organised.

"We had a great night – we went along for our 24th anniversary.

"The wife loved the night as well, we had a drink and a little dance.

"It was full of really nice people.

"I'd definitely go back again. Debbie Harry was very good and I thought the band were brilliant."

Also revelling in the excitement was Leanne Bradfield, 24.

"It was brilliant, she was amazing," said Mrs Bradfield, of Cherry Tree Road, Brereton. It was lovely, the venue was really good, really clean, really nice.

"I bought the tickets about 10 minutes before the gig as somebody wasn't very well. I really wanted to go so I ended up being quite lucky.

"I had a brilliant night and the weather was fantastic."

Di Douce, 60, of Hollow Lane, Colton, said: "It was absolutely amazing. It was a brilliant evening. I've never seen Blondie before, but I thought they were terrific. The whole event was fantastic."

Headlining on Friday night was London-born Stone Cold Sober singer Paloma Faith.

The down-to-earth 27-year-old singer gave an energetic and soulful performance for an hour-and-a-half set before more than 5,000 fans.

The quirky 27-year-old played a variety of her biggest hits, including Stone Cold Sober and Picking up the Pieces, while giving the audience a sneak preview of her new album, set to be released around Christmas.

Platinum album-selling Paloma lifted the rain-soaked crowd with her interactive stage presence, which not only had the crowds dancing and singing along with each song, but also saw her pose for pictures with a few lucky fans in the front row.

Sharon Slater, 41, from Rugeley, bought tickets for the concert as soon as they came out in January. She said Paloma gave an 'absolutely fantastic' performance.

"Paloma more than lived up to my expectations," said Miss Slater, of Shugborough Road. "I didn't really know much of her music particularly well before I went, but I'm now going to be buying all her CDs because she really impressed me and I now like her so much more.

"She was so great with the audience too – she just didn't seem to be put off by people at all. When she came to the front to greet the crowd, that was really good as well.

"I thought she was absolutely fantastic. I'd definitely go and see her again."

Her views were echoed by Burntwood mother Sue Clewley, who went to the Rugeley concert with her 22-year-old daughter Amy Phipps.

"She was absolutely brilliant," said 47-year-old Miss Clewley from Lorne Street.

"To be quite honest that concert has made Paloma Faith really go up in my estimations.

"She was really, really good. It was just a shame about the weather. The only thing that spoiled the concert was the rain.

"But Paloma was great – and so down-to-earth. I liked her before, but I like her a lot more now.

"I was impressed with the venue too – I would never have guessed there were 5,000 people there. It didn't feel squashed up like it can at some concerts. It was excellent." Her daughter Amy also described the show as 'fantastic'.

"I thought Paloma Faith was wonderful," said Miss Phipps, of Newgate, Burntwood.

"She lived up to my expectations and more. I really loved the whole show.

"I thought the venue was good too – it was very well organised.

"It's the first time I've ever seen her and I'd certainly go again."

Forest Live is organised by the Forestry Commission. It sees big names play in beauty spots around the UK, with revenue from ticket sales ploughed into improving the woodland.