The Wanted drew the biggest crowd roar thus far and, with the same backing band returning to the stage, genuinely seemed to be enjoying themselves as they tore around the stage, swapping lead vocals and finishing off with the group’s biggest hit to-date - ‘All Time Low’. In fact I have to say that all these pop acts showed genuine enthusiasm and gave of their best.

Earlier in the day I spotted several girls seeming to practice dance moves outside the Alternative venue but thought they were drinkers just having a laugh. When I returned to the venue I was surprised to find it packed for the first time and guess who was next on the bill… the girls I had seen messing around outside and called Indigo City from Chester. Shit! It seems as long as you’re an attractive bunch of girls crowds will flock. They opened with a shocking cover of ‘Do It Like A Dude’ at which point, after taking a few quick photos, I retreated to the safer territory of the main stage and McFly.

A boy band that has survived with clever management and a record company strong on pop strategy - that McFly. Live, the guys looked and sounded like a genuine rock pop-band with arguably the most impressive show of the day, complete with massive explosions and confetti to cap a near-perfect performance. The crowd, including many young children, sang along, screamed and finally tried to grab as much of the confetti as possible. Again, not my cup of cha but a good choice for this opening Chester Rocks day.

I managed to catch two more unsigned acts in female soloist Elsie and Wrexham band Camera. Both impressed with their skill and professionalism with the latter’s songs being some of the strongest at the venue of the day.

Finally it was headliner Taio Cruz at the main stage and the guy who is apparently wowing them across the pond. Frankly my dear I was not impressed. Again it was a case of competence and good stage craft together with a couple of very popular radio songs. Taio is one of several major pop acts  that performed today signed to the Universal Song Group record company who has so cleverly promoted its acts, especially through radio airplay.

My guess was that today Chester Rocks would draw by far the biggest crowds through its safe ‘n’ sound lineup which the very targeted audience loved. Tomorrow (Sunday) would be the really testing day for the event and for reasons I will explain later…