Ref. 71974-62FOR the thousands of excited pop fans who filled into Lydiard Park there was just one reason why they were there to swoon over boy band Blue.

And their patience paid off when the headline act took to the stage for a thrilling performance.

Around 10,000 people gathered for the Party in the Park concert on Saturday night. Even before the main acts came on, adoring fans made a beeline for the stage to make sure they got as close as they could to the stars.

Mobo award nominee Jamelia enjoyed herself so much she decided to do six songs rather than just four as originally planned, while Pop Idol heartthrob Darius also set pulses racing.

The action got going at 5pm when Irish band the Commitments got the crowd cheering with hits like Mustang Sally and Take Me to the River.

They were followed by 411 and Freeloader, before Darius entertained the audience with a 30-minute set.

Fans' screams reached a crescendo when he jumped down from the stage to sing among the front row fans.

But it was clear that for many there was only one band they were waiting for. Eight-year-old Sharnia Matthews, from Chippenham, said: "I just wanted to see Blue. They are fantastic, especially Lee. He's the best looking."

Rebecca Munton, 13, from Wootton Bassett, said: "I have been waiting to see Blue for ages, but I don't have a favourite. I think their music is great."

During a short wait while technicians made adjustments, the atmosphere reached fever pitch in anticipation of Duncan, Lee, Anthony and Simon, who burst onto the stage at 9.15pm for more than an hour's worth of hits.

Organiser Neil Cooper said: "The show was a complete success. The weather forecast looked awful, but it turned out great in the end."

Anthony Osborne