Amy GrayThe Gig in the Park festival kicked off last night, with a packed crowd ready to sing-along with headliners Showaddywaddy.Organisers of the festival in Halesworth's Town Park said advance ticket sales had been the best ever.Amy Gray

The Gig in the Park festival kicked off last night, with a packed crowd ready to sing-along with headliners Showaddywaddy.

Organisers of the festival in Halesworth's Town Park said advance ticket sales had been the best ever.

Last night the main draw was Showaddywaddy, expected on stage at about 10.30pm, and the festival continues today with headliners The Undertones.

Andy Graham, for Gig in the Park, said: 'It's such an established event people come along for the weekend. We have a capacity of 3,000 and we probably won't be far short.'

Hundreds of people made their way towards the park at 6pm yesterday.

'It's a bit chilly, it should be slightly better tomorrow and on Sunday it should be fantastic. That's what we're banking on,' said Mr Graham.

Today the festival opens at midday to 11.45pm and on Sunday, from 12.30pm to 11pm. There will be music, entertainment and stalls.

Tickets on the gate today are �20 adult, �11 under-14 and �50 family.

On Sunday, its �14 adult, �10 under-14 and �32 family. Fives and under free.

For more ticket options and line- ups, visit www.giginthepark.co.uk

Review: Showaddywaddy at Gig in the Park

I may only be 24, but I grew up on seventies music. I love a bit of T.Rex.

Showaddywaddy, I don't know so much about. Of course I know their number one single, Under the Moon of Love.

I know they dress as Teddy boys - presumably because they draw inspiration from the 1950s era.

Me and my partner spent most of the drive to the gig saying Showaddywaddy in a Jimmy Savile voice until we had convinced ourselves that Jimmy Savile would probably be introducing them.

He wasn't there, but a packed crowd was. And despite a down pour mid-set, everyone was clearly enjoying the trip down memory lane.

Songs included Under the Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven, Summertime Blues, C'mon Everybody, Tequila, and Heartbeat, made famous by Buddy Holly and Nick Berry.

I was very impressed with the saxophonist and the grey-haired chap in the yellow coat on bass who their website tells me is Rod Deas.

All the musicians were very good and although vocalist Dave Bartam gave it everything and was therefore sometimes a bit out of breath , he kept the atmosphere going with banter and crowd participation - including singing along, and inviting people up on the stage.

Although I draw the line at asking people if there is a Norfolk/ Suffolk rivalry and then allowing people to boo the Canaries.

They did a dance, which EDP reporter Tracey Gray (no relation) had already informed me is 'a criss-cross movement' associated with the band. I was a bit confused until I saw it - I know it as Tiger Feet, by Mud.

Lowestoft Journal reporter David Lennard then informed me that this pre-dates Tiger Feet, and is a dance from the 50s, which he says, is way before his time.

All in all, it was a fun set that got the crowd going and ended a great first day for Gig in the Park.