If you go down to the woods today, you're in for a really unique entertainment experience.

Ok, so it doesn't roll off the tongue but the woods in question are Delamere Forest and my entertainer for the night was Gary Barlow.

This was the second of the weekend's shows, forming part of the Forestry Commission's Forest Live concert series, with the Take That legend sandwiched between Friday night's Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, and Paloma Faith on Sunday. All threes shows were sell outs.

The weather gods were in a generous mood as me and my friend arrived, finding parkiing easily, with plenty of it.

Having both been to events here previously - Plan B and Tom Jones - we chose to get there in good time. And it was worth it.

The venue is sublime, especially if the sun's out (which it was), and there really isn't a bad spot to watch from.

Once throught the bag check, we pitched our fold up chairs and nibbles, opting for the middle of things to help soak up the atmosphere.

The people-watching was second to none, with the avid Barlow fans really adding something special to the vibe.

The sun still high and hot, the support act took to the stage, in the form of Jason Brock.

The singer, who many know from his appearances on TV show Let It Shine, has already performed in the West End, and his talent did indeed shine through.

His starring role in Thriller Live resulted in a performance blended with nods to the king of pop himself, Michael Jackson. It was a fantastic spectacle all on its own.

Brock was a beautiful singer, coming across as sincere and heartful, and created a great party feel. The perfect starter for the main course.

Finally the main man himself was here, backed up by singers and musicians with both talent and personality of their own.

Barlow took no time in making it clear this show was a little special, being a bit of a homecoming for him. It made the big event feel personal.

So followed a night of crowd-pleasing hits, covering many Take That favourites - Pray, Shine, Patience and Relight My Fire to name but a few, some solo gems - I'm a sucker for Open Road - and a couple from self-written musicals, including Finding Neverland.

Now Barlow is quite the showman, and knows the fans matter. Throughout his performance he engaged with the crowd, paying particular attention to the hardcore fans down by the stage, banners aloft. It's one of these lucky people he picks to join him on stage.

Tonight's most envied woman is Ally from Newcastle. She's perched on a stool as Barlow sits at the piano to serenade her with A Million Love Songs. What a moment.

But Ally is grabbing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with both hands and thoroughly making the most of it. She joins her hero, sat by his side, phone in hand capturing every priceless second. Pro Barlow is totally on board, and doesn't skip a beat of music or vocals.

It's another chance to witness the star effortlessly entertain with humour, which was most evident during Live Those Years Again.

With this song, he pokes fun at himself (pies reference gets a cheer) and we just love him all the more for it, as those of us old enough to remember join him on his vocal journey to the 90s.

It's been an hour and a half of laughter and great music, we certainly have been thoroughly entertained. But it's not finished quite yet.

He bangs out Rule The World. And it's going down a storm. There's such a positive feel in the air as the audience is a sea of phone torch lights held high. It's beautiful.

But finally all good things must come to an end.

The crowd joins in for Never Forget, in all its arms in the air, synchcronised clapping glory.

Barlow thanks everyone, his band, the crew, the event staff, the fans. And he really seems to mean it.

But we thank you. What a show.