Ask most people to name a Bryan Adams song and there's a good chance plenty would answer Summer of '69.

The summer of '24 has really struggled to get going after miserable weather which had led to this month being branded June-anuary.

So it was fitting that the Canadian rocker thrilled an 8000-strong crowd in the woods at the start of the Thetford Forest Live concert  series on a perfect midsummer's night.

"Hello my name is Bryan. I'll try to pack in as many songs as I can remember!"

(Image: Lee Blanchflower)

The quip kicked off Adams' fantastic 90-minute set which proved he is still very much at the top of his game as his career moves well into its fifth decade.

There were a good number of England football shirts on display in the crowd (with supporters struggling to find out the team's score in the Euros showdown with Denmark due to the virtually non existent phone signal).

READ MORE: Fans' picture gallery from Bryan Adams at Thetford

While we later discovered Gareth Southgate's men had been disjointed, lethargic and listless, Adams was the polar opposite - incredibly energetic and oozing class.

We certainly made the right choice to head to High Lodge rather going to the pub or sitting in front of the TV for England's underwhelming draw.

Of course Summer of '69 featured strongly. The crowd lapped it up.

Everything I Do, Run To You, 18 Til I Die, Heaven, Cuts Like A Knife, Good Times, Can't Stop This Thing We Started, Somebody, One Night Love Affair, Take Me Back, The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me...the hits kept flowing, as did the phenomenal talent of lead guitarist Keith Scott.

A really nice touch was a special tribute to the late, great Tina Turner, who Adams wrote It's Only Love for when he was just 23.

"Touring with her changed everything for me,” he said, as he performed the song, along with a compilation of some of Turner's other classics such as Simply The Best and What's Love Got To Do With It?

The Thetford Forest Live series continues on Saturday June 22 as Sting performs.

Other acts to come are Paloma Faith (June 27), Tom Jones (June 28) and Olly Murs (June 30).

Ticket details: forestryengland.uk/music.