52,000 rock in for free park concert

Organisers Power FM had promised that the sixth Power in the Park would be bigger and better than ever - and they were right.

As the fans left Southampton Common, their faces said it all.

The line-up was a who's who of the music scene in 2000 - Billie Piper, 5ive, Heather Small and Craig David were just some of the acts entertaining the crowd.

First act was indie pop outfit Lisheen, who had won Power FM's battle of the bands, which was aimed at discovering local talent.

Lead singer Vincent Treacey was overwhelmed by the whole thing.

He said: "It was just amazing. Although we were playing in front of a totally pop crowd, they were all really receptive. It was great playing in front of so many people."

Daphne, of American teenage pop duo Daphne and Celeste, was also delighted to be performing in Southampton.

She said: "It was really good fun. It was one of the biggest crowds we've ever played in front of. They all seemed to know the words as well."

One of the biggest cheers of the day though was reserved for Southampton's favourite singing son Craig David.

As well as belting-out his number one smash, Fill Me In, he later appeared with his old mates and Southampton techno-aces Artful Dodger for a blistering Re-Rewind.

Off stage later, he told the Daily Echo: "I'm just absolutely buzzing as it means so much to play in front of so many people in your home town. It's been amazing having my family, friends - everyone I've known in my life - out there watching."

Another crowd-pleaser was former Eternal star Louise Nurding. She was on top form despite a lengthy break from the music scene.

"I was really nervous before I went on stage. I haven't really played for about two years," she said. "But it was fine, and the Southampton crowd was wicked."

For many in the audience, some of whom had camped out overnight to get the best view, there was just one group they had come for.

And as Jay, Ritchie, Sean, Scott and Abs strode confidently on stage for the final performance of the event, their day was complete.

5ive, who are veterans of Power in the Park, revelled in their role as headliners, delivering a storming set of Keep on Moving and their version of Queen's classic We Will Rock You.

As the crowds departed they were all full of praise for the event.

Mini Cannon, 41, from West Wellow, came with his daughter Kirsty, 12, and her friend Emma Barfield, 11.

He said: "I like all sorts of music and I thought the whole thing was great. I'm an M-People fan, so Heather Small was the highlight for me."

Emma added: "I came to see 5ive but I thought Craig David was brilliant. He is gorgeous."

Anna Mort, 30, from Winchester, enjoyed the day with her family and friends.

"It's been really good fun and the kids have loved it," she said.

"Some of the music was better than others but then again I am a bit old for some of it.

"But it all had a carnival feel to it, and has been a great family day-out." Neighbour Tom Brown, 8, said: "It's been brilliant. My favourite was Daphne and Celeste."

Police also praised fans for their good behaviour. Chief Superintendent Graham Wyeth, who oversaw policing, said there were eight arrests, seven for minor disturbances and one for a drugs offence.

The number of missing children reached 100 at one point, with most quickly reunited.

Nearly 200 people were treated for cuts and bruises and alcohol-related problems, with one person being taken to hospital for a broken limb.

Ch Supt Wyeth said his one concern was the amount of wine, beer, spirits and cider that people bought with them.

He added: "Youngsters were walking around with carrier bags of the stuff. We've got literally gallons to get rid of. Ambulance staff did a wonderful job sobering people up.

"The event just wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for the way everyone worked together. The organisers, St John Ambulance, the council and the medical staff made it all happen."

A Power FM spokesman said: "The crowd were brilliant. This was the best Power in the Park so far."