Sting at Thetford Forest – A Night of Mixed Feelings in the Pines
Gig #6 in Thetford Forest saw me return to one of the UK’s most unique and atmospheric live venues for a sixth time. Following sets from Paul Heaton (twice), The Pogues, Madness, and Paul Weller, this time the headliner was none other than Sting—a name synonymous with global success, both as frontman of The Police and a solo artist. While this wasn’t necessarily a top choice on my gig wishlist, when Hammy and Neil asked, I stuck to my cardinal rule: never turn down a gig.
Setting the Scene: Pre-Gig Shenanigans
We rolled into Thetford around midday and kicked off the afternoon with a satisfying meal at CHEERS restaurant, followed by a pint at The Bell. The pub was hosting something that felt like a bizarre cross between a Dad’s Army tribute gathering and a chaotic episode of Don’t Tell the Bride. One pint was enough. We soon relocated to another nearby boozer where we soaked up more atmosphere—and a few more cold ones—before heading into the forest venue.
The organisation was seamless: barely a queue in sight on arrival, and the post-gig exit was equally painless. The forest itself remains one of the best-kept secrets on the UK’s gig circuit. The twilight setting, tree-lined perimeter, and atmospheric lighting transformed the event into something pretty special, at least aesthetically.
An Englishman in New York
The Performance: Strong Voice, Steep Chips
Sting took to the stage to a warm welcome and played a solid 90-minute set blending Police classics with solo work. Stylistically, the set spanned genres—pop, rock, reggae, even jazz—which kept things moving. The band supporting him, while competent, didn’t quite reach the level you’d expect accompanying a performer of his stature. That said, Sting himself sounded excellent, and at 72 years old, he remains in exceptional shape both vocally and physically.
The setlist ticked all the boxes for the crowd—Roxanne, Every Breath You Take, Englishman in New York, Fields of Gold—but for me, the emotional connection just wasn’t there. It was a well-executed performance, but it never fully ignited.
Let’s not forget the £20 portion of fish and chips—pricey even by festival standards—and the only real gripe on the event side.
Final Thoughts
The overall crowd experience was buoyant. People were dancing, singing, and clearly enjoying the evening. And while I can’t fault the venue or Sting’s professionalism, it won’t be cracking my personal top ten anytime soon. Still, I’m glad I went—it was a chance to tick another icon off the list in a setting that continues to deliver, regardless of who’s on the bill.
Sting
Date: 22 June 2024
Venue: Thetford Forest, Brandon, England
Tour: Sting 3.0
Source:
Setlist.fm
Setlist:
- Voices Inside My Head (The Police)
- Message in a Bottle (The Police)
- If I Ever Lose My Faith in You
- Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (The Police)
- Englishman in New York
- Fields of Gold
- Never Coming Home
- Mad About You
- Why Should I Cry for You?
- Driven to Tears (The Police)
- Can’t Stand Losing You / Reggatta de Blanc (The Police)
- Shape of My Heart
- Walking on the Moon (The Police)
- So Lonely (The Police) (with No Woman, No Cry snippet)
- Desert Rose
- King of Pain (The Police)
- Every Breath You Take (The Police)
Encore:
- Roxanne (The Police)
- Fragile
