Jessie J delights crowd at Shrewsbury’s Quarry

Thousands of fans from across Shropshire braved the mud to enjoy singing sensation Jessie J’s knock-out performance in Shropshire.

There was a family atmosphere in Shrewsbury’s Quarry as people of all ages gathered to experience one of the town’s biggest ever outdoor concerts last night.

Despite torrential downpours throughout the day – which had left some fans worrying the gig could be called off – the sky brightened at about 6pm and the rain held off throughout the concert.

Excitement was building all day as the sell-out crowd of 11,000 began to descend on The Quarry.

Click the smaller image on the right to see a gallery of photos from the Jessie J concert

One group of fans arrived at 5am in order to bag a spot right at the front of the stage when gates opened at 5pm.

Teenagers Hollie Cormmell, Laura Laird and Charlie Dorricott, all aged 17 from Monkmoor, in Shrewsbury, used bin bags and umbrellas to try and keep dry as they waited 12 hours for the gates to open.

Hollie said: “I’m a huge fan. The rain doesn’t bother us, we are all buzzing.

“People gave us food and drinks as they walked past which was really nice and we got to go backstage.”

Next to them in the queue was 18-year-old Sam Willacy, from Harlescott, Shrewsbury.

He said: “I arrived at around 9.30am I just got into Jessie J’s music recently and decided to get tickets. It’s great for Shrewsbury.”

Meanwhile Des Clorley, from Wem, had backstage access after supplying one of his 30ft Winnebagos for the 24-year-old to use as a dressing room for the gig.

Mr Clorley, who provides the motorhomes for film and TV shoots, said while backstage he managed to catch a glimpse of the popstar’s list of demands which included a big bowl of chocolates, a bowl of lemons and mineral water.

As well as grapes, oranges and bananas, Jessie’s dressing room also featured a bottle of Hennessey cognac.

The crowd enjoyed performances by support acts A*M*E and Jay James Picton before Jessie J took to the stage for her 75-minute set – and she seemed to strike a chord with all ages in the audience.

Telford youngsters Elle May Carter, Ellie Wilkes and Leah Cloughley donned matching t-shirts of the pop diva for the occasion.

The three friends, who attend Lawley Primary School, in Telford, were given tickets to the gig as a ninth birthday present.

Ellie’s mum Emma Wilkes said: “They have all been so excited, they love Jessie J.”

Seventy-year-old Roger Hammond, from Copthorne, in Shrewsbury, proudly boasted that he could be the oldest member of the audience. The mental health worker said: “I think Jessie J is terrific she appeals to both young and old.

“I first noticed her on The Voice and then when I heard she was coming to Shrewsbury I had to get tickets.”

Lucy Mapp, 21, an officer worker from Shrewsbury, said: “This gig is great for tourism in Shrewsbury.

“Hopefully more big stars will come and perform here now.”

Support workers Claire Maxfield, 23, Catrina Parry, 28, and Kelly Abercrombie, 24, all from Oswestry, enjoyed the atmosphere despite the damp conditions.

Claire said: “I’ve been a big fan every since she first came onto the music scene. I love ‘Price Tag’ and it’s amazing she has come to Shrewsbury.

“We’ve spent all day looking for ponchos – everywhere had sold out.”

Friends Vicci Antoniazzi, Lisa Funge, and Ceri Williams, all 38, came from Newtown to enjoy the show. Vicci said: “I’m not a massive fan but we have brought all the kids, Shrewsbury is lovely.”

Up-and-coming songstress A*M*E was the first performer to take to the stage at around 7pm. The singer, who is signed to Gary Barlow’s record label, was visiting Shropshire for the first time. She said: “I’m really excited The weather hasn’t put me off, Shrewsbury seems really nice.”

Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Keith Roberts, was also backstage at the show.