IT WAS sunshine, smiles and the hottest sounds around for Blackpool this Bank Holiday as the Wave Weekender burst into sound at Lawson's Showground.

Music really came alive as top pop acts jetted in from around the country to entertain the crowds on Saturday and Sunday (May 27 and 28) while raising vital funds for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

And The Citizen was there to soak up the sun and talk to the stars.

Headline act Atomic Kitten (pictured) raced up from Birmingham to storm the stage with their hits See Ya and their new single I Want Your Love.

"It's brilliant to be here," Kerry told The Citizen backstage.

"The crowds in the north are always so much better than the ones down south."

Also kicking up some chaos were the Dum Dums who had been playing live on Ant and Dec's CD:UK show that very morning and had to catch a Lear jet up from the London studios.

"It was all very rock and roll on the flight," said band member John. "But to be honest I just ended up feeling queazy."

"Don't You Worry," sang Madasun from the stage -- but only hours earlier singer Vonda had been in a state of panic.

With minutes to go before she, Vicky and Abby set off from London, the pint-sized pop sensation got stuck in a lift and had to be rescued.

"Firemen forced the doors open and I had to jump down into their arms," she said.

"Sounds like every girls dream but to be honest they weren't that nice looking really.

"It was great to get out here and just entertain the crowds." Also on the bill were top girl-band Fierce, Word On The Street, N-Trance and 3rd Base as well as top tribute bands.

The pop extravaganza was organised by The Wave 96.5FM in conjunction with the Blackpool Challenge Partnership and supported by The Citizen.

It was all in aid of the Macmillan Windmill Appeal, which aims to raise £2.9 million for a new cancer unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

The station's senior presenter and one of the main driving forces behind the whole event was Gary Burgess.

"It was an amazing event," said Gary, tired but happy after two days compering on stage.

"To see such big acts like Atomic Kitten in Blackpool, who have just jetted back from the Far East and are supporting STEPS' tour is just amazing.

"Lionel Vinyl was just fantastic on both days, but the real highlight for me was seeing the entire Wave team doing the Can Can on stage with Automadness."

The Appeal's deputy director of fundraising, Elaine Fossett, joined in the Sunday fun and described the bands as "fantastic".

"I do not think you could have improved on the atmosphere," she said.

On a more serious note she praised the event's organisation saying it was "exemplary". She said people could bring the family and know that every aspect of their safety was taken care of.

Also enjoying the Sunday entertainment was partygoer Debbie Rawson, who brought a tent -- just in case. "We thought it was going to rain! But I've really enjoyed it!"