They have sold more than 50 million records since the mid-1980s and yesterday night Simply Red proved they were still the best at holding back the years when they headlined the first night of Kew the Music.

An afternoon of consistent rain clear for a fine evening at of music the Royal Botanic Gardens as Mick Hucknall and the band tour to celebrate 25 years since the release of their 12-times platinum album Stars.

Support came from Ben Montague and Jackaman.

Take a look at our pictures, taken by photographer Sacha Lilla.

Kew the Music continues tonight with performances from Will Young, supported by Billy Ocean and Con Brio, and continues throughout the week with acts including Jools Holland, The Corrs and Gipsy Kings.

Go to kewthemusic.org

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