Matt Cardle tops the bill as thousands enjoy free Wolverhampton music festival - with pictures

Almost 10,000 people gathered in Queen Square as the third Enjoy Wolverhampton Live event rolled out under the sunshine.

Saturday's event, organised by the Wolverhampton BID and funded by city businesses, has since been hailed a success and will return next summer.

Wolverhampton BID Director Cherry Shine said: "I think it was amazing, I'm really pleased. We had about 6,000 in the evening and 3,500 during the day - that's what we were expecting.

"I felt that more people were staying [compared to last year]. The sound was better this year, I felt that more people were spread out a lot more at the top of Queen Square.

"Almost 10,000 enjoying live music in our city centre, that's absolutely fantastic. Wolverhampton does it again."

GALLERY: Music fans enjoy Queen Square

Leeds-based band Victors launched the live music, which began in the heart of the city centre from 6pm and was hosted by Signal 107’s Dicky Dodd.

The four-piece were followed by Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Ella Shaw, who appeared to struggle with sound issues as she made her grand entrance on to the stage.

But the 21-year-old from Lancashire managed to continue with her set, singing crowd-pleasers including Ed Sheeran's Perfect.

Speaking to the crowd, she said: "I'm sorry about that start, I was singing off stage but you couldn't hear me.

"You're a great crowd, I love it when I have a great crowd."

Brit Award nominee Sweet Female Attitude featuring Leanne Brown then took over the stage, getting the crowd bouncing along to former garage hits.

Springing up and down the stage to the music, the 2001 hit Flowers seemed to go down well with revellers.

Before leaving, Leanne said: "Thank you so much Wolverhampton, I loved it."

Owen Paul, singer of 1986 UK and European summer hit My Favourite Waste Of Time, performed a range of 80s hits when he arrived at the festivities.

He told the crowd: "It's a sunny day in Wolverhampton. Thank you for making us feel so welcome."

Andy Bennett, famed for his time with Ocean Colour Scene, also joined the event with new band The Subtones.

The Leamington Spa-born singer released his solo debut single Hole in the Road in October 2015, followed in May 2016 by single Drift Away.

He said: "Well you were amazing Wolverhampton. Thank you for having Andy Bennett and The Subtones. See you again soon."

Headliner and 2010 X Factor winner Matt Cardle walked onto the stage to cheers, opening with debut single When We Collide - a cover of the Bliffy Clyro tune.

He treated his army of fans, who had travelled across the country to see him perform in Wolverhampton, to songs from his debut studio album 'Letters' before signing new material.

Miss Shine said: "He was so friendly, really lovely. There were ladies waiting to take their picture with him.

"He was really excited to play in Wolverhampton. He was genuinely pleased to be there."

Families were also treated to entertainment during the afternoon, with performances from CBeebies star Katy Ashworth, puppet shows from the winner of TV’s The Slammer - Russ Brown, entertainment from Doctor Doolally and free face painting.

Miss Shine, who has been with Wolverhampton BID since its launch three years ago, said: "Our aim is to put Wolverhampton back on the map and this event really puts the city in a positive light.

"It shows that we are doing something. Wolverhampton is a great place to live and work.

"I want people to enjoy our city centre. This event gives us an opportunity to support our businesses and that's what we are about.

"We have brought close to 10,000 into our city centre - that's extra business for people who trade in our city."