A LOT can happen in two years.

For country music duo The Shires in the time that has passed since the last time they stepped out on to the Anvil stage their whole world has changed.

They have become one of the most successful country acts to come out of the UK and have released their third studio record Accidently on Purpose.

During this time the pairing of Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle have evolved as an act and clearly put a lot of thought into their performances as well as their music.

When The Shires where last in Basingstoke in 2016 they sold out the Anvil, and this was something they achieved once more, but something felt different this time around.

From the moment the duo, along with backing band. Burst into opening number Echo the Anvil audience was on its feet dancing and clapping along.

Everything from the musical composition to the lighting and stage production seemed effortless as The Shires took the crowd on an hour and a half journey.

It is clear to see that The Shires have put a lot of thought into how they constructed their set, making sure not to burn out early and giving the audience time to rest during songs like State Lines and Ed Sheeran written Stay the Night.

When Rhodes and Earle stripped things back to just them two of them and a piano during Black and White / I Just Wanna Love You and Brave from a spectator’s perspective it is a no brainer why two people who a so in tune with one another are having the success they are.

This show was the closing date of a 22-day tour and the pair were clearly in reflective mood, complimenting each other and their fans, but it was said with such sincerity that it seemed to give the audience more life as they ended.

Just looking around the room there was not a single person who wasn’t enjoying themselves, especially the enthusiastic dad sat two rows in front of me who was determined to embarrass his daughter, and this is testament to what The Shires do. They entertain and they have you leaving with that feel good feeling.