Bournemouth’s Fitness First Stadium, a hallowed ground typically reserved for the drama of football, underwent a massive transformation as it hosted Party on the Pitch festival - one of the biggest gigs ever in the town.
While the initial ambition to pack the 12,000-plus capacity venue to the rafters wasn’t quite realized, the event undeniably showcased the stadium’s potential as a formidable concert venue.
A diverse three-night program, held in August 2004, aimed to cater to a wide range of musical tastes.
The opening night featured the operatic tenor Russell Watson, whose soaring vocals captivated an audience of approximately 3,000. Despite the vast expanse of the stadium, Watson's performance resonated with the crowd, creating an intimate atmosphere within the grand scale of the venue.
Saturday night witnessed a surge in attendance as the highly anticipated 1980s extravaganza, Here and Now, took centre stage.
A nostalgic crowd of around 4,500 revellers flocked to the stadium to relive their youth with iconic acts such as The Human League, Kim Wilde, Belinda Carlisle, ABC, Paul Young, and Go West. The concert was a euphoric journey through the decade's greatest hits, with thousands of fortysomethings singing along with every word.
The weekend culminated in a vibrant pop extravaganza on Sunday, as 6,000 fans eagerly awaited the arrival of Blue, Liberty X, Lulu, D-Side, Lemar, and other chart-topping artists. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd's enthusiasm reaching fever pitch as Blue stormed the stage. Thousands of teenage girls screamed in delight, and the band delivered a high-energy performance that left the audience exhilarated.
As the final notes echoed through the stadium, it was clear that Party on the Pitch had left an enduring mark on Bournemouth. The festival had not only showcased the versatility of the venue but also created unforgettable memories for thousands of music fans.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article