Thousands of revellers soaked up the sun as they watched a string of chart-topping pop stars perform at Temple Newsam in Leeds.
The crowd went wild for headliners One Direction, who stole the show at Party in the Parkon Sunday. (July 22)
Hysterical female fans were hoisted from the crowd by bouncers in an attempt to calm them down as the boyband took to the stage to sing hits including What Makes You Beautiful and One Thing.
Band member Zayn Malik, 19, returned to his home county of West Yorkshire for the gig.
He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “It is great to be back up north again. It’s amazing.”
Zayn and Doncaster-born band member Louis Tomlinson started a ‘Yorkshire’ chant during the set.
Louis told the crowd: “It’s like I never left. It is so nice to be back in Yorkshire.”
The boys also had a surprise visit from Dermot O’Leary during their set, provoking screams from the crowd.
Around 70,000 people flocked to the free annual concert, organised by Leeds City Council and 96.3 Radio Aire.
Lucky ticket holders chosen in the ballot basked in 20 degree heat as 16 top pop acts from around the world performed live at the Leeds beauty spot.
More X Factor stars including Little Mix and Marcus Collins also performed, as well as 2008 winner Alexandra Burke and judge Tulisa Contostavlos.
Marcus told the YEP: “The atmosphere was buzzing, everyone was smiling and jumping up and down.
“I’ve got lots of friends in Leeds and was here a few weeks ago.
“I was actually here about a speeding fine but normally when I go out in Leeds we go to Fibre.”
After performing to the pumped-up crowd, Alexandra said: “I loved it. It was really good fun.
“It was a really good crowd out there.”
Wakefield resident Frances Wood from BBC talent show The Voice also sang in front of the packed Leeds crowd.
And Taio Cruz performed some of his top hits including Heartbreaker.
He told the YEP: “It’s my first time in Leeds and everyone has been really nice so far.
“I don’t get to see much of the places I visit on tour so I judge it by the people and the atmosphere and it’s been great.”
He added: “I hope to come back soon.”
X Factor judge and N-Dubz member Tulisa rounded off the concert and told fans she had been persuaded to stay up partying in Leeds until 6am with One Direction.
Other stars on the bill included Professor Green, Wretch 32, Cover Drive, Alyssa Reid, Conor Maynard, DJ Fresh, Labrinth and Stooshe.
Leeds City Council’s executive member for leisure services, Coun Adam Ogilvie, 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.”





Comments