Review: Tom Grennan, Thetford Forest
The first of 2023’s Forest Live gigs in Thetford Forest, saw the clearing at High Lodge host Tom Grennan on the eve of his third album What Ifs & Maybes being released.
Whilst the sun slowly drifted behind the trees to cool things off, support acts Liv Dawson and Matilda Mann, warmed up the crowds as they set up their chairs, ate picnics and laid claim to standing spots closer to the stage.
Grennan came onto the stage straight into If Only, the opening track off of 2021’s Evering Road, much to the joy of young fans in the front row beginning to chant “We Want Tom”. Before quickly moving into an energetic back to back medley of Sober, Royal Highness and Barbed Wire from his debut Lighting Matches.
The energy during these first few songs was fantastic, moving across the stage to each corner to engage with fans in the crowd, Grennan easily had them clapping and singing along with some of their favourite songs.
Moving into Psychedelic Kisses and recent single How Does It Feel, fans were treated to the first pair of his new songs off What Ifs and Maybes set to be released at midnight, for fans to listen to all weekend to remind them of the gig.
The anthems of This Is The Place and Amen had great punch thanks to some fantastic backing singers on the choruses, to help Grennan along with the crowd.
The rest of the set worked through several of the songs Grennan has worked on with others such as Calvin Harris, KSI and Ella Henderson, all hitting the spot with the crowd.
Finishing with the euphoric Remind Me before returning to the stage to treat the crowd to smash hit Little Bit of Love as an encore and send everyone home very happy.
Review and pictures: Stephen Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine
Stephen Keable Photos
