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Lah Di Dah Ladies Vocal Harmony Group. To book or Audition, contact Julie on 01629 56744 or Linda on 07948 799879

More Partying At The Proact As Rain Fails To Dampen Spirits

Monday 9th June 2014
A HUGE thanks (and courtesy and ©) to Claire Louise Davison
for the amazing pictures

It is, I think, fair to say that the nearest I get to 'cool' is when I open the fridge door, so it was with some trepidation that I went along to The PROACT on Sunday to attend The Party At The Proact, featuring acts such as Katy B, Labrinth and headliner Tinie Tempah (or as one of my senior colleagues called him when trying to explain to me who was coming, 'Little Tantrum'!)

My concern that I would be the oldest in the stadium by a mile increased when, on venturing past the stadium mid morning, there were already hundreds of teens queuing round the block in order to get a good view from the front.

Thankfully this was not the case as the PATP turned out to be a real family affair - with eight year olds through to grandmas bouncing and raising their hands.

In my more usual visits to the stadium on match day, "handbags on the pitch" means trouble, but on Sunday, it took on quite a different meaning altogether with several ladies taking advantage of the warm weather (and Pimms) and bopping around their bags.

Breakthrough artist Tich was first up - slightly late and sadly, just as she began, the heavens opened! Luckily she took it all in her stride and good humour, joking that she was sorry if her top turned out to be see-through and changing the lyrics to her songs to "Never Been So Wet!" A new girl she may be, but as well as earning herself a few fans with her fortitude, she also handled the chaos the elements caused like a long standing pro.

Ms Dynamite was next - and she thankfully fared slightly better on the weather front! Her stage set was accompanied by bright sunshine and drew crowds that had scattered to the undercover parts of the stadium, back onto the pitch!

Within minutes Ms Dynamite-ee had them bouncing and hand waving in unison - revving up the energy that Tich had begun.

Union J, who rose to prominence on the X-Factor - coming fourth - drew the predictable ear splitting screams from thousands of young girls in the crowd.

They were though, without George, who had hurt his foot and was therefore unable to attend. Whipping the crowd into a frenzy - their set ramped up the vibe a little bit more - and, as the camera panned the crowd showing several rapt young faces, it was clear that they were a huge crowd pleaser! Their debut hit 'Carry you' prompted an impromptu sing-song, and more bouncing.

Katy B (below), who virtually single handedly has made red hair sought after, was one of the bigger and well-known acts to perform on the day.

Katy B, who virtually single handedly has made red hair sought after, was one of the bigger and well-known acts to perform on the day.

She didn't disappoint, running through an energetic catalogue of hits with a team of dancers and proving herself to be versatile. 'Slowing it all down' as she put it, with a heartfelt rendition of 'Crying For No Reason' and, again, encouraging the crowds to sing along (listen below).

It was perhaps Lawson (below), who drew the biggest reaction from the masses. Unsurprisingly really, as Ryan Fletcher is a proud Chesterfield lad, and on record as saying that he was looking forward to playing such a big gig in his hometown.

It was perhaps Lawson (below), who drew the biggest reaction from the masses. Unsurprisingly really, as Ryan Fletcher is a proud Chesterfield lad, and on record as saying that he was looking forward to playing such a big gig in his hometown.
(l-r) Andy, Joel and Ryan on stage

They didn't disappoint and, after coming on stage to screams which no doubt had the Space Station ringing the stadium to ask them to turn it down a bit, performed a lively and varied set, again, proving they are not just 'pretty boy band' faces but capable of stunning and credible live sets (below).

Andy, the lead singer, has recently been hospitalised but no one would ever have known - his vocals were on point throughout.

Ryan had told us in a previous interview (HERE) that he still couldn't quite believe his luck, and would sometimes exchange glances with Joel, from Mansfield, during sets as both came to terms with the jump from performing in local pubs and clubs to some of the audiences they look out on currently.

This was clearly the case at PATP, as several looks were exchanged between the two, with Ryan smiling broadly. He pretty much summed up the evening for all when he said, just before they left the stage, "There are some really good acts on here tonight but none are from Whitt!" Quite!

Labrinth (below), by far the most 'dapper' of the acts, was the penultimate performer and proved to be an energetic and engaging act who got the crowd bouncing and waving hands once again.

Labrinth (below), by far the most 'dapper' of the acts, was the penultimate performer and proved to be an energetic and engaging act who got the crowd bouncing and waving hands once again.

His hit 'Express Yourself' - familiar to most of us via the advertising campaign for Microsoft - went down a storm with the young crowd.

And then it was time for the main attraction.

Headline act Tinie Tempah ran through a stunning set - brightening the crowd with his Hawaiian style shorts and T- Shirt - thankfully by this time, a wise choice weatherwise.

Headline act Tinie Tempah ran through a stunning set - brightening the crowd with his Hawaiian style shorts and T- Shirt - thankfully by this time, a wise choice weatherwise.

Again, some of his hits were more recognisable than others but he is a man who puts on a cracking show, energy and enthusiasm in equal measure.

The crowd loved Tinie and time and again Tinie told the crowd that he 'loved you guys' promising to return to Chesterfield again. Judging by the crowd's reaction, he will be more than welcome! Despite nearly six hours of bouncing, the crowd came to life and, in what was perhaps the lasting memory of Sunday's party - there came the surreal sight of thousands and thousands bouncing in unison with a sea of hands, and as the sun started to fade, mobile lights.

The crowd loved Tinie and time and again Tinie (left), told the crowd that he "loved you guys" promising to return to Chesterfield again. Judging by the crowd's reaction, he will be more than welcome!

As the concert drew to a close Tinie proved he is as humble and down to earth as Ryan Fletcher had previously suggested, by almost apologetically explaining to the crowd who were demanding more that "I don't have a very big back catalogue guys, this is as far as I go!" and once again voiced his hope of returning to the town.

Here's a brief clip of the crowd's and Tinie's love-in as they joined together to give a rousing rendition of 'Written In The Stars'...

So, a pivotal weekend for Chesterfield Football Club - and the town - is now over and the post mortems will begin. Two very different concerts, different audiences, different vibes.

Speaking as someone there for both, I'd say Chesterfield handled both in equal measure and have done their growing reputation as a concert venue no harm at all.

The final figures have not yet been released by the club - but it's safe to say that the PROACT played host to thousands this week and, both concerts passed without major incident.

Credit must go to the club, the planning officers and the College staff who worked hard to organise, promote and run the events, which in terms of footfall; sales and behaviour will surely be deemed a success.

To sum the weekend up in a sentence? A good time was had by all!!

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