BLACKPOOL sure knows how to party - take six hours of entertainment, top bands, a bumper crowd and a fantastic firework display, and you have the perfect recipe for a Party on the Prom.

That's just what happened on Thursday night (August 28) when Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Rock FM staged the resort's biggest free party on South Promenade.

A brief downpour failed to dampen spirits of the 20,000 who turned out to watch the likes of Jimmy Somerville, Clock, Universal, Orange Orange and an endless list of other acts, linked together by DJs from Rock FM.

The loudest cheers were saved for heart-throb Kavana who, having been way down the bill last year, returned as the headline act to perform three songs, including his hit I Can Make You Feel Good and new single Crazy Chance.

"The turnout was fantastic, it's great to see so many people," he told the Citizen.

And in reply to the attention from many of the girls in the crowd, he added: "It has made me realise I could do my own tour, possibly early next year, and I'd love to come back to Blackpool to play."

The idea of a free concert appealed to everyone who took part. "There should be more of them," said Simon from China Black, while George from Universal, who sang their new single Make It With You, added: "It gave us a chance to see and meet our fans which we don't get very often."

Live satellite link-ups allowed stars Robbie Williams and Peter Andre to take part, while the event allowed the up-and-coming bands like N-Sync, Benz and Dubstar to put their names on the music map.

One such singer, Daniel Amalm (Jack from Home and Away), was visiting Blackpool for the first time and told the Citizen: "The crowd was really good and when you get a crowd like that you know it's going to be a good gig."

The event was brought to a stunning finale with a spectacular fireworks display launched from a platform out at sea.

Party on the Prom was hailed a success by its organisers.

Rock FM DJ Kev Seed commented: "We have had a really good party and thankfully the weather didn't affect the turnout."

A Pleasure Beach spokesman added: "It was a very successful second Party on the Prom and, hopefully, we can continue with it every year."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.