IT was an unexpectedly chilly summer’s evening at Westonbirt Arboretum and we needed the little lady with the big voice - and the big smile - to warm us up.

And Paloma Faith did just that. This singer doesn’t do subtle - she strutted onto the stage, bold and sassy with shocking pink hair and a black sequined dress, and belting out her songs, and the audience was in love with her. And the feeling was clearly mutual.

This was the Saturday night slot of the Forestry Commission’s Forest Live shows, and Westonbirt is a cracking venue for the these gigs (despite the nippy breeze blowing through this clearing amid the trees).

The evening began with Ward Thomas, a female duet (plus backing band) who got everyone in the mood with some pleasant country-tinged songs.

Then the picnics and foldaway chairs were discarded - Miss Faith was about to appear, and everyone was expected to dance.

The singer really does have an extraordinary voice, and while we may be used to hearing it in recorded versions, or on TV appearances, the real test is a live performance, and it is on stage that she comes into her own - she is the centre of attention and a natural show-off, but the songs, soul-drenched and heartfelt, come first. This is the perfect setting for the likes of Cry Baby, Picking Up The Pieces and Can’t Rely On You. There was a terrific cover of Mama Cass’s Make Your Own Kind Of Music, and the ballsy Only Love Can Hurt Like This really brought out her range and her passion.

The show itself was slick and stylish. Faith linked well with her excellent backing band and singers, and while there was plenty of dancing, it wasn’t over-choreographed, giving a sense of spontaneity and fun.

There is no doubt Paloma Faith has the gift of the gab, and while it was quite sweet to hear the mum-of-one talk about the joys of parenthood, her plea for an “epidemic of kindness” in the world, while well-meaning, tested our patience as she rambled on. I think she was preaching to the converted.

But that’s a minor quibble. We came to see her sing and dance, and she did it perfectly. I’m sure I even saw the trees having a boogie.

STEPHEN WEBB