Teeny-boppers join prima donnas at park

More than 70,000 people watched top acts including One Direction, X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos and show winners Little Mix rock the stage at yesterday’s Party in the Park.

The free concert at Temple Newsam was preceded by Opera in the Park on Saturday, when Yorkshire’s own songbird Lesley Garrett wowed the crowds.

She was joined on the bill by renowned baritone David Kempster and internationally acclaimed tenor Ji-Min Park.

The trio sang some of the greatest and most recognisable music from operas including La Traviata and La Boheme, with music arranged and performed by the Orchestra of Opera North.

Classic FM presenters John Suchet and Margherita Taylor hosted the whole show as part of the station’s 20th birthday celebrations.

The concert, which was organised by Leeds City Council, was brought to a close with a spectacular fireworks display accompanying the finale.

The following day, the sun finally came out over Leeds as pop lovers headed to Party in the Park, organised by Leeds City Council and 96.3 Radio Aire.

Last year’s X Factor runner-up Marcus Collins joined winners Little Mix in the line-up, while there were also performances from rapper Professor Green, Canadian pop princess Alyssa Reid and grime star Labrinth.

Bands including Stooshe and Cover Drive also performed, but it was One Direction – otherwise known as Harry, Zayn, Liam, Niall and Louis – who stole the show for thousands of screaming fans.

Coun Adam Ogilvie, Leeds City Council’s executive member responsible for leisure services, said: “This year’s Party in the Park has been another phenomenal success and the sun even came out to make our annual pop extravaganza even more special.

“The team at Leeds City Council and 96.3 Radio Aire have been working around the clock to get the park ready despite the recent terrible weather to make sure that Leeds got to enjoy the party we promised, against all the odds.”