From opera to pop... fans enjoy free concerts

A crowd of around 70,000 raised the decibel level as they enjoyed a range of artists, among them Pixie Lott, The Saturdays, Alesha Dixon, Scouting for Girls, Gabriella Cilmi, Tinchy Stryder, Dizzee Rascal,

One Night Only and The Hoosiers.

They were joined at the event by a host of "blasts from the past" such as Dane Bowers, Craig David, ex-Blue members Lee Ryan and Antony Costa, and boy band Damage.

The event was declared a success by those who attended, though some of the older ones complained that the "teenyboppers" were making them feel their age.

One of the most popular performers was British singer Beverley Knight, one of the UK's most celebrated music stars who has sold over a million albums.

One pop fan said: "Beverley Knight was just amazing – what a singer."

This year's Party in the Park had to be extended by one hour to accommodate the bigger than normal line-up of stars. All the free tickets for the Leeds Council event were snapped up in four days.

On Saturday the atmosphere at the park was a little less frenzied as up to 50,000 people enjoyed Opera in the Park.

This year's event welcomed back the region's universally acclaimed The Orchestra of Opera North together with the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus which featured a range of soloists from the world of opera, including – Heather Shipp, Peter Wedd and Jacques Imbrailo under the leadership of conductor Oliver von Dohnnyi.

Both concerts were organised by Leeds Council. Party in the Park is now in its 17th year.