"Just happy to be performing" at the festival, Rick Astley

Pop legend Rick Astley said he was 'just glad to be in a field playing' before taking to the stage at Camp Bestival for his headline performance.

The Never Gonna Give You Up singer closed out the first day of music at the event at Weston Park, Shropshire, on Friday.

Before his performance, he told BBC Radio Shropshire he enjoyed the family-friendly nature of the festival, adding people of all ages could come along and feel comfortable.

“I do think it’s great that you can come to a festival and be totally chilled about it and everybody’s welcome,” he said.

Asked whether he thought he would still be headlining festivals almost four decades after his career began, he said: “I wouldn’t have even have thought that 10 years ago if I’m honest.”

“I’m just glad I’m in a field playing. I don’t care what field it is and who wants to be there,” he added.

The 58-year-old also spoke about the changes in the industry over the years and how many festivals, like Camp Bestival, had become more “all-encompassing”.
On releasing new music, he said the advent of streaming had made it easier for more established artists to get their songs in front of people, but that the competition made it harder for new acts to get noticed.

Astley said he was comfortable with where he was at this stage of his career and that he still enjoys the “nostalgia” that comes with singing his classic hits.

“I’m loving every second of it and I’m grateful for it,” he added.

Paloma Faith is set to headline Camp Bestival on Saturday before dance music group Faithless closes out the event on Sunday.