WITH picnics neatly laid out and couples sipping ginger beer and wine it was clear to see Boyzone’s fan base had somewhat matured over the years.

But diehard fans who have followed the “boys” over the past 20 years were not alone as those screaming girls who cried at their arena concerts in the 1990s were reliving their youth by belting out the hits along with the band.

The extended BZ20 tour came to Delamere Forest on Sunday.

Westlife singer turned I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! winner Kian Egan brightened the mood of the crowd after people faced a lengthy wait getting through security — note do not take Vaseline into a timid concert as it will be confiscated apparently it might be used as a missile. Kian belted out some songs from his debut album Home including his version of Edwin McCain’s I’ll be. He got the party started with some Westlife tunes including When You Are Looking Like That.

Boyzone, suited up Rat Pack style, belted out their back catalogue of songs including Picture of You, Words, Love Me For a Reason, Baby Can I Hold You and Words.

There was a pause from the party atmosphere when the band spoke of the sudden loss of one of its front men, Stephen Gately in 2009 of a heart defect. His absence didn’t go unnoticed and a woman was brought in to hit some of Stephen’s high notes, which the other members could not hit.

Being a fan of Boyzone was something many men would not have been proud to admit when they burst on the scene from Dublin 20 years ago. But the shame is no longer there as it appears Boyzone mature like a good wine and appeal to a wider audience.

There was some dance routines for the grown up teeny boppers and some cheeky banter for the fans. With good entertainment, picnics and good company in the back drop of beauty spot Delamere Forest what more could you want? Here’s hoping Boyzone are pencilling themselves in for a return next year.