Forest Live at Bedgebury Pinetum

Since releasing her platinum-selling debut album in 2009, Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?, Paloma Faith has become renowned not only for her unique sound, but also her individual, 'kooky' style.

And she didn't disappoint on Friday night, sweeping on to the stage in a bright red satin dress with bold blue flowers, her hair carefully styled in a big 'up-do' with decorations - the epitome of retro glamour.

But despite her immaculate look, Paloma was quick to be self-deprecating, cheerily greeting the crowds in her Cockney accent with the words: "Hello Bedgebury Pines! I can't pronounce the name of this place - I have been practicing all day, but I think maybe I should just stick to Kent."

Paloma continued this endearing, chatty style of banter throughout the evening, in between singing all of her biggest hits, including Stone Cold Sober, New York, 30 Minute Love Affair and her hit cover of INXS' Never Tear Us Apart.

She has a real presence on stage, whether gracefully moving her arms and hands in beautiful sweeping gestures while singing some of the slower songs such as Just Be, or encouraging the audience to 'jump' to some of the more uptempo tracks, and enthusiastically bouncing around the stage herself.

The strength and tone of her voice never wavered, despite her energetic moves, and she was ably supported by a fantastic trio of backing singers and band.

Confessing 'I get bored easily', Paloma didn't simply sing tracks off her two albums, but also tried out a new song from her forthcoming album, and performed a few covers of soul classics, including Etta James' I'd Rather Go Blind.

A particular highlight was Paloma's duet with her supporting act Marques Toliver on a cover of I Can't Stand The Rain, originally recorded by Ann Peebles.

Smooth soul singer Marques, who got the gig off to a great start when performing with his own band at the start of the evening, proved a perfect complement to Paloma's more raspy vocals.

Luckily, despite grey clouds overhead at the start of the evening, there wasn't any rain during the show at the open-air setting of Bedgebury Pinetum.

It was my first time at the venue, and I was pleasantly surprised by not only the beautiful surroundings, but also the friendly atmosphere, with families and groups of all ages getting on together, sat around the site enjoying picnics before the show began.

Paloma finished the show with an encore performance of her latest single Picking Up The Pieces, as a shower of tickertape fell over her and the band.

It was a magical ending to a truly unforgettable evening - in a very special setting.