Party in the Park - Leeds - 2007

God bless Yorkshire. The rain started before midday and continued to stay with us throughout the entire event. Almost.

After being pointed in a variety of opposing directions we finally arrived at the event at around 3pm, just in time to catch Chicane doing a fantastic job of getting the crowd going. Umbrellas bounced up and down as those brave enough to face the weather headed towards the stage, some having a good old-fashioned mud fight along the way.

Kavana was next up. Still going strong after all this time. The first two rows of teenage girls at least appeared to be smitten as he gave the usual “it’s great to be here” sincerities and embarked on a couple of his latest and greatest crooners.

Crew 82 (as seen on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’) stepped up next. With their “human beat box” style they had the crowd’s full attention as they covered some party-starting anthems that had everyone singing along. This is one a cappella group that is definitely worth watching.

Ross “all the way from Virginia” Copperman was the first up of the latest heart-throbs. A talented keyboardist, it was when he emerged, hands clapping, from behind his instrument that he really got the crowd going.

Copperman was contrasted shortly by dance act Booty Luv, an attractive duo who gave the crowd the catchy dance tunes they were after as they strutted around in golden heels and little white numbers, outfits that looked great but were – bless them – woefully inappropriate for the widening sea of mud that faced them upon their return backstage. Meanwhile, Craig Womersley (the one on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ that was really great at the baton) was being promenaded in front of an adoring crowd. Smiling charmingly he hugged and greeted fans, before having to borrow my pen to sign a multitude of autographs. Craig, if you’re reading this, can I have it back?

Escaping the rain, I retreated to the press hut only to encounter the lively, close to deafening performers Unklejam posing playfully for the cameras in front of a large Radio Aire banner. The interlude was short-lived, however, and soon I was cowering once again under a large umbrella watching Darren Hayes (formerly of Savage Garden) singing – in tune – impressively higher than most of the girls I know. With his pale blue suit and heart-felt love songs he managed to capture the attention of his soggy audience, the majority of whom were now determinedly staked out until ‘The X Factor’ heart-throb Shane Ward made an appearance. But next up they had Jason Donovan.

Complete with khaki shorts and an acoustic guitar, Donovan arrived on stage. Sitting on a well-placed chair the legendary pop star managed a couple of classics including Any Dream Will Do from ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ before being cornered backstage for an on-screen interview in which Donovan appeared disturbed by the presenter’s painted toenails.

At last, to the mounting hysteria of his audience, Shane Ward emerged. Screaming his name, the crowd waved hats, banners and umbrellas as he strutted back and forth singing some of their favourites. Backstage in his post-performance interview the presenter managed to persuade Ward to unfasten another button on his saucy grey cardigan, sending screen-watching fans in the crowd into another phase of screaming delirium.

Finally, the day approaching 6pm, Beverly Knights wiggled her way onto the stage. Looking fantastic in brown boots, denim and a purple number she captured what was left of the bedraggled crowd with her infectious enthusiasm and downright determination that we were all “going to have fun!” Although most of the audience seemed unfamiliar with her material they were more than happy to wave arms and umbrellas in the air as she belted out some of her classics. And half way through her last song? It finally stopped raining. Review by Emily Feist.

Click on a photo below to enlarge.