Power in the Park: Backstage pass

EVERYONE in the crowd at Power in the Park 10 might have been baking in the blazing sun but, despite the heat, backstage everyone was keeping their cool.

Although the artists had a hectic day ahead of them - many were also appearing at the Reading equivalent of PitP - they were patient, polite and all very, very nice.

With the exception of Blue, who turned up late, rushed on stage and then disappeared as quickly as they'd arrived, all of the performers - whether big or small - took time to answer questions, sign autographs and pose for endless photos.

Several of the artists were fairly new and seemed pretty shell-shocked when they walked out from behind the screen in the press tent to find themselves confronted with 20 or so photographers and reporters. Most of them came to talk to the press before taking to the stage in front of 30,000 fans, so they had good reason to be nervous!

Alex Cartana and the boys from V were among the artists who were visibly shaking as they posed for pictures and answered questions, though they were all very professional about it - in fact Alex Cartana looks relaxed and stunning in her photos.

The arrival of some artists created more excitement than others. Laura McAllen from Angel City made the mistake of coming out at the same time as The 411 and no one noticed her - meaning that several photographers had to track her down later to take their snaps. But when it went round the room that Girls Aloud were on their way, everyone was clamouring for a chat. Luckily The Echo had an interview spot reserved so we had a good chat with them - and our male reporter couldn't resist the urge to get his picture taken with them too.

But everyone's favourite star was the lovely Jamelia, who chatted to reporters for ages, revealing that her stage outfit came from high street shops, and waved goodbye to everyone when she left.

It's nice to know that celebrity doesn't go to everyone's head.