Over 30,000 people
enjoy Newham's free four-day music gig
One of the biggest outdoor music
events in East London saw an impressive 32,000 people flock to East
Ham.
Under the Stars - a free four-night extravaganza organised
for the community by Newham Council - was a resounding success from
Thursday until Sunday.
Good weather and great entertainment created a euphoric atmosphere
at East Ham's Central Park throughout the event, which has been
running ten years.
Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "This year's Under the Stars was
as successful as ever, with tens of thousands of people enjoying
four days of free entertainment.
"Families, friends and complete strangers got together to share in
the atmosphere and were treated to an excellent array of bands,
from Bhangra superstars to the sounds of Motown.
"One of the best things about this borough is the way we can bring
people together. Last year, more than 100,000 people came to our
free community events and we do more than any other local authority
to provide opportunities for people to have fun."
Sunday was the busiest day as almost 8,500 people packed into the
park to hear the sounds of the world-famous Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra, followed by a fireworks spectacular. The crowd relaxed
as they filled their ears with the soothing sounds of such
internationally renowned artists as the late Luciano Pavarotti,
Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder.
Ruling the turntables on Saturday night was BBC London Radio
mainstay Eddie Nestor, who played an electric set between acts.
Kicking off the proceedings on the stage was the alluring Elouise -
an upcoming artist who is currently working with American producers
involved with Aussie songstress Kylie Minogue.
She was followed by the Magic of Motown - an energetic troupe of
singers who got the crowd dancing from the moment they stepped
on.
Saturday evening was preceded by a flag-raising ceremony by the
borough's uniformed groups at 10am to mark the centenary of Girl
Guiding, followed by a fun-packed Children's Party.
The previous night (Friday) was just as high-octane. The
Asian-inspired evening boasted two huge names in music - Bhangra
legend Malkit Singh and diva Miss Pooja. The two headliners, who
followed the colourful Virsa Punjab Dancers, ensured virtually
everybody was at least tapping their feet, if not in full
swing!
An Under Five's Picnic was held on Friday morning for youngsters to
enjoy.
On Thursday - the first day of the event - there was a poignant
flag-raising ceremony to mark 70 years since the declaration of the
Second World War. The occasion was attended by the borough's Royal
British Legion members, many of who had served in the 1939-1945 war
or had family members and friends who did.
The evening was filled with the sights and sounds of the 1930s, 40s
and 50s. Bands included six-piece jive band Sugar Foot Stomp and
swing-punk trio The Puppini Sisters.