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Thank you, Maidstone - Big Weekend ends on trouble free note

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Madonna wows the crowds at the Big Weekend
Madonna wows the crowds at the Big Weekend

It was the weekend that had nearly everything. There was fabulous weather for 35,000 fans to revel in, fantastic music to enjoy from some of the world's most famous pop stars and, inevitably, a sea of alcohol.

But now the sun has set on Maidstone's Big Weekend the police have revealed the one thing that was absent.

Trouble!And so pleased were they, they went to the trouble to issue a statement thanking concertgoers and local residents for their co-operating which helped the event go smoothly.

Supt Ian Hall who was leading the policing operation, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their help in making this such a successful event. Through our excellent partnership working with both the council and event organisers, both days ran very smoothly."

He added: "This success is a testament to the careful planning and work between the partner agencies.”

Radio 1's Big Weekend at Mote Park included memorable performances by top performers such as Madonna, The Feeling, Usher, Nelly, The Kooks and The Raconteurs.

The free event was one of the biggest ever music extravaganzas to come to Kent.

On Saturday, fans relaxed in 26C sunshine, drinking beer and bopping along to the likes of opener Usher, Scouting for Girls, The Hoosiers, Ting Tings, Editors and Duffy.

However, Usher - clearly unfamiliar with the area - did give a shoutout to Manchester at the end of his stunning set.

Radio 1 DJs Chris Moyles and Pete Tong were spotted soaking up the sun with Fat Boy Slim – who admitted to being a little nervous about his upcoming gig – while the likes of Sophie Ellis Bextor and Pixie Geldof rubbed shoulders with the likes of Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Richard Ash, in the crowds.

~ Pictures, band interviews, video - see full coverage of the Big Weekend on our special report >>>

But the day truly belonged to one woman – the legend that is Madonna, whose energetic set brought Saturday to a close.

Day two saw American R’n’B star Nelly stunning some audience members by pulling them out of the crowd to appear with him on stage, and also brought out surprise guest Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland for a duet.

The Raconteurs belted out an energetic set, Goldfrapp delighted with elctro-pop stylings, and headliners The Kooks led the crowds in song as the outstanding weekend drew to a close.

But according to the drummer of festival favourites The Zutons, Sean Payne, there was only one real star of the event.

He said: “It’s all about the weather. The bands are playing and all that ,which is always going to be great, but it’s the weather that makes it special.

“Kent is a lovely place.”

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