UP to 20,000 music fans crammed into Monkton Park in Chippenham on Saturday night to see soul legend Edwin Starr lead an all-star cast at North Wiltshire Festival 2002.

The 60-year-old disco superstar took to the stage at 9.45pm on a balmy evening, to roll out a string of groovy classics in a sizzling one-hour set.

Festival organiser Michael Paul-Williams said he estimated up to 20,000 people were there to see Mr Starr and the other acts.

Jason Hanratty, 32, of Patchway, Chippenham, who was dancing with four-month-old son JJ on his shoulders, said: "This is fantastic, brilliant. I have never seen Chippenham like this before and the atmosphere is amazing."

Mr Starr, whose spangled trousers lit up the stage almost as much as his foot-swinging beats, got the crowd moving in a heaving, dancing mass.

Everyone had to pinch themselves to make sure they were not at Glastonbury or Reading as the hits kept coming.

Mr Starr ripped through a succession of Motown classics, including My Girl and I Heard It Through The Grapevine, as well as his most famous song, War.

Interviewed after the show, Edwin said: "I loved it out there, you cannot do a show like that and not enjoy it."

He was backed by a 12-strong band, including bass guitars, drums and saxophones. "We've been here the majority of the day and I know people have been waiting for us to come on and we wanted to give them a show to remember," he added.

"I want to come back here next year, because the crowd were fabulous."

During the concert, Caroline Bryant, of Sarum Drive, Devizes, said: "This is absolutely excellent, Edwin Starr has really got everyone dancing."

Mark Scoynes, of Dover Street, Chippenham, was back from university in Birmingham and having a great time.

"This is excellent, the atmosphere is fantastic and everyone is enjoying themselves," he said.

While families tucked in to picnics, and friends sipped on cool beers in all corners of the park, Katrina, from Katrina and The Waves, took to the stage at 7pm.

The Kansas-born star, most famous for the 1985 hit, Walking On Sunshine, appeared minus the Waves and performed Love Shine A Light, which won the 1997 Eurovision Song Contest.

"This place is just like The Superbowl, the way you get such a good view from the stage, and there was a fantastic vibe out there," said Katrina, who had to rush back to London afterwards to play at The Astoria nightclub.

Following Katrina, 80s R 'n' B stars The Pasadenas played a 45-minute set, including their hits I'm Doing Fine and Tribute.

Farmer James Musselwhite, 23, of Dauntsey, enjoyed a view of the stage from Monkton Park's hill with girlfriend Vicky Gardner, 17, of Queen's Crescent, Chippenham.

"I've never been to this before and we're enjoying it it's a good family event," said James, who works at Smithcott Farm in Dauntsey.

The crowd was also treated to the soulful grooves of disco superstars Heatwave, who performed some of their greatest hits, including Mind Blowing Decisions and Boogie Nights.

Earlier in the evening, Chippenham band Respect also performed for the crowds.

Lead singer Sonia Plevin, 32, of Danvers Mead, Chippenham, said: "It was brilliant. It's the third time we've played here and it was just a brilliant atmosphere."

Eight-piece pop act Bless'd also performed, as did Ess Teem, from Swindon, and Swindon band Sepiatone, who won GWR radio's Battle Of The Bands contest.

Ex-Pulp guitarist Pete Mansell, a friend of Sepiatone drummer Stuart Anderson, performed as a favour after the band's regular bass guitarist dropped out.

"It was a great atmosphere, and terrific for these guys to play here," said Pete, who co-wrote the Pulp single, Sunrise, last year with lead singer Jarvis Cocker.

St John Ambulance volunteers were also at the park throughout the weekend. Kevin Stowe, St John Ambulance divisional co-ordinator for Corsham, said three people were taken to hospital with minor injuries on Saturday night. He said all had been discharged. "Considering the amount of people here we have had few incidents and it was a very safe concert," he said.

Mr Paul-Williams said: "Edwin Starr was the main man, he really got the crowd going. "We brought in a line-up of big-name bands and entertainers and there was something for everyone."