This years Party in the Park sees one of the event’s strongest line-ups ever. For a free event the bill is pretty impressive, the organisers have managed to secure some of the hottest new acts of the moment as well as some more seasoned performers and the normally spacious venue is fit to burst with people who have flocked to see their favourite artists. Unfortunately, terrible weather has dampened spirits, there are almost as many umbrellas as people and consequently the enthusiasm of the crowd suffers.
I arrive part way through Ironik’s set, just in time for his biggest hit ‘Tiny Dancer’ which is received well enough but for such a hit should maybe have seen more screams. Next are latest Girls Aloud copycats Girls Can’t Catch whose predictable set is nothing spectacular, even their single is largely ignored.
Taio Cruz’s set is sung well and though it comprises of only two songs they are both well-known singles and get the crowd going more than other artists have managed so far. Little Boots follows, bravely playing some album tracks which pays off as the vocals are strong and she proves she is destined for more hits. Her last song and single ‘New in Town’ starts but seconds in is interrupted with JLS’s intro, a technical hitch which Little Boots bounces back from, earning herself cheers from the audience.
The first of this afternoon’s big performers is Alesha Dixon whose brand of pop is perfect for the family event, if a little sickly sweet. All three of her hits are executed perfectly and prove a hit with the crowd who jump along happily. Beverly Knight is met with lukewarm enthusiasm and relies heavily on her only real hit ‘Shoulda Woulda Coulda’ which is performed well but for such a star doesn’t excite the audience a great deal.
Swedish dance-pop act Agnes only plays her hit ‘Release Me’ which is a sure crowd pleaser but it’s a wonder what the point in playing just one song is. A similar mystery is the sudden re-emergence of Ordinary Boys front man Preston, who struts onstage as if he’s Morrissey, plays an enjoyable but fairly average song and struts off again leaving the crowd bewildered.
Tinchy Stryder is when the performances really hot up. He opens with massive hit ‘Take Me Back’ featuring Taio Cruz which is perfectly executed and packed with dance energy. New single ‘Never Leave You’ is also met with a barrage of screams but not nearly as many as ‘Number 1’ when N-Dubz join him on stage and the crowd descend into near hysteria. N-Dubz then remain on the stage for their set which gets the biggest reaction so far, storming through their biggest songs ‘Strong Again’, ‘Ouch’ and ‘Papa if You Can Hear Me’, they are act of the day so far and work the crowd with ease.
Next up is Pixie Lott, whose single ‘Mama Do’ is a fantastic start to the set, though the effect of the dancers is lost on the big screens which focus only on her and often annoyingly switch to the crowd. Her cover of ‘Use Somebody’ is rather over-done and leaves something to be desired – quality perhaps, but she does redeem herself a little with closer ‘Boys and Girls’ which is much more energetic.
The award for Most Screams, if there were one, would have to go to the next act, X-factor runners-up JLS. Nearly every girl in the place screams as they open with a very appropriate cover of ‘Umbrella’ then their debut, and number 1, single ‘Beat Again’, complete with a re-enactment of the dance from their video. There is further mass hysteria from the female audience when two members bear their chests and one does a back-flip. JLS leave to yet more screams having proven they are the act of the day.
In the penultimate set is surprise act Calvin Harris who stepped in at the last minute for the flu-ridden Sugababes. There is no hint that he is unwelcome, however, and he performs perfectly and the crowd enjoy it immensely, as if they came to see him. His songs are probably of the best quality of the entire day, the dance grooves perfect for huge outdoor events. ‘All the Girls’ and ‘Ready for the Weekend’ make the audience jump like they’re stood on hot sand and from afar they look almost liquid. The massive tune ‘Not Alone’ finishes things nicely and its uplifting energy tackles the dreary weather with real fire.
I left before Dizzee Rascal’s set but judging by the screams at the mere mention of his name, those who stayed until the end will have see one of the highlights of the day.

Review by Chloe Betteridge