Review: Olly Murs gets the crowd dancing at Henley Festival (From Bucks Free Press)

Review: Olly Murs delights crowds at Henley Festival after returning from One Direction tour

4:10pm Monday 9th July 2012 in Freetime By Rebecca Cain

FROM young girls to older ladies (and men) Olly Murs had the crowd at Henley Festival strutting their dance moves yesterday evening.

The rain held off for the Essex singer's performance and despite the mud the audience seemed in the mood for a party.

He was escorted onstage by his bouncers and band members for the performance at 8.45pm on Sunday on the floating stage which rests on the River Thames.

The festival kicked off on Wednesday, being opened by Sting, and with the constant rain the site had become very muddy with a slightly unpleasant smell.

But this didn't put people off enjoying the fineries of the popular black-tie festival as women teamed their cocktail dresses with wellies and brollies were close at hand.

Olly jokily told the audience that when he told his mum he was coming to Henley she said he had to be on his best behaviour, which he said he was... just a little.

There is no doubt about it the former X-Factor contestant, who also presents The Xtra Factor on ITV2 with Caroline Flack, has a brilliant voice.

And along with his effortless dance moves he puts on a great performance.

He sang songs from both of his albums- his self titled album, Olly Murs, and his latest, In Case You Didn't Know.

And he spoke of the One Direction tour in America, which he has just finished.

Every one loved it when he sang his first single, Please Don't Let Me Go, Dance With Me Tonight and his latest single, Oh My Goodness.

He also delighted crowds with a rendition of Madness' It Must Be Love and Stevie Wonder's Superstition, which he sang at his X-Factor audition.

He finished with the catchy number one single, Heart Skips A Beat, which was a great finish.

And with a quick, "Laters" he was gone. The rain didn't quite manage to take away the luxury which Henley Festival is known for.

The galleries displayed wonderful art, the champagne was flowing and every one still managed to look glamorous.

It is a great festival, which is made even more special by its location on the banks of the river Thames.