So how good is our Gareth? Good enough to stay up all night for, that's how good.

That was the verdict of three fans who were at the front of the 25,000-strong crowd packed into the Pulse Party in the Park at Bingley yesterday.

Fifteen-year-olds Deborah Sides, Amy Fisher and Sarah Lyons from Cullingworth didn't go to bed and arrived at front stage when it was still dark to make sure they had the best view of their pop idol.

And the East Bowling superstar - who has a new, cooler, sexier image - didn't disappoint.

When the 19-year-old appeared, the wall of scream was awesome.

Hardened bouncers put fingers in their ears and smiled to each other as the former Bradford Cathedral choir boy brought meltdown to Myrtle Park.

"This is my town - Bradford," he said and the entire teenage front row burst into tears!

In white V-neck T-shirt, Gucci watch, denims and floppier hair, Gareth has moved on from the stylised lad in the all-white suit and spiked hair who took the nation by storm in Pop Idol.

He danced saucily with the girls for Comic Relief hit Spirit in the Sky and went on to Stupid Mistake and Suspicious Minds.

Parkside pupil Deborah said: "He's the reason we are here. A little bit for Busted, but Gareth's the main man.

"He is an inspiration. He is the home talent. I haven't been to bed, I wanted to be so early."

It turned out Gareth had had an operation in midweek for an abcess and had stitches in his lip but it didn't affect his performance.

He said afterwards: "It is always good to come home to Bradford and perform.

"I thank everyone for making this such a great day."

The local boy rounded off a five-hour non-stop parade of pop stars. SuperFreak, led by Wilsden singer James Bagdonavicius - started it all off at 11.30am after beating competition from other bands to play the park.

James, 26, a former pupil of St Bede's Grammar School, Heaton, dedicated his performance to his mum Caroline who was celebrating her birthday and was there to cheer him on with all the family - including granny.

He said: "I had everything crossed and when I saw the crowds I thought, 'Oh my God.' But hopefully someone out there is listening."

Busted boys Charlie, Matt and James met fans Martha Glaister, Jessica Beal and Jodie Earnshaw.

The girls bought them each a goodie bag and the lads wore the hats they'd bought them and ate the Toblerone and Jaffa Cakes thoughtfully packed by the girls who knew they were their favourite snacks.

Jessica said: "They were lovely. Really cool."

They sang new song Sleeping with the Light on and favourites Year 3000 and But You Said No and brought the park to its feet.

Kym Marsh said the crowd's reaction meant everything to her.

The former HearSay singer put marriage problems to former EastEnders actor Jack Ryder aside and praised the turn-out.

She said: " The crowd are out to have a good time today."

Looking tanned after a short holiday in Spain and wearing a denim mini skirt, black slashed top and stilletoes, she said she preferred performing live to being in the studio.

"I love the creative side in the studio but it is the reaction of the crowds which means so much. It is what people think of you that counts."

Atomic Kitten missed a flight from Dusseldorf and failed to make it.

But Mark Owen, Liberty X, Louise, Lisa Scott-Lee and David Sneddon followed, wowing the crowds.

D-side and Triple 8 also did their bit.

Sneddon, the Fame Academy winner, told the crowds: "You've been fantastic" and ended with his first hit Stop Living The Lie.

Party spokesman Richard Purvis said the weekend of music had been a huge success.

Fifteen thousand people attended the concert on Saturday night starring the Manfreds, Bee Gees fever, the Foundations and Slider.

But the 25,000 for yesterday's event made it extra special.

He said: "Reading and Leeds are more grungy.

"But this is more poppy and the biggest concert of its type."

There were no J Lo diva-style requests. The only curious desire was for Doritos from one of Liberty X!

And an emergency ironing board was sent to Gareth's dressing room with minutes to go before he went on stage.

However, back on home ground, the day well and truly belonged to Mr Gates.

Jackie Sykes, from Brighouse, could be old enough to be his mum at 40 but it didn't stop her putting on a footie short with GG on the back.

"I get emotional when I see him, like a teenager," she said. "But he is special."

Fifteen-year-olds Emma Skelton and Faye Wickenden, who even had pictures of him on her fingernails, had travelled from London for the Party in the Park.

"There's nothing we don't like him. He's perfect," she cooed.

"His voice is great, he looks good and he loves his fans," said Emma.

And, from all those screams, it seems 25,000 others in Myrtle Park yesterday would agree!