A crowd of more than 8,000 packed Central Park last night for the opening of this year’s outdoor live music extravaganza.

Newham Recorder: Just some of the thousands who enjoyed the first night of Under the Stars Picture: David FearnJust some of the thousands who enjoyed the first night of Under the Stars Picture: David Fearn (Image: © 2013 www.davidanthonyfearn.com)

The park in High Street South, East Ham is hosting the annual four day, live free music festival run by Newham Council.

Performances from Incognito, The Brand New Heavies, Ciyo Brown and DJs James Anthony and Ash Selector had people dancing all over the park.

The remaining three shows to be staged tonight, Saturday and Sunday promise something for everyone with entertainment from eastern beats to a night of classical music and fireworks finale.

Tonight sees the finest Asian sounds with performances from DCS featuring Shin, Taz Stereo Nation, Juggy D, the Gaana Rajas dance troupe, Ali Abbas and Juggling Inferno’s breathtaking fire show set to Bollywood music.

Saturday is back to the boogie with Boney M featuring Liz Mitchell, Imagination featuring Leee John and The Real Thing. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra headline with classical sounds on Sunday and fireworks to end the evening. Young people from Newham’s Every Child a Musician scheme will also be playing.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: “We have been putting on Under the Stars for 14 years and Thursday night was one of the best opening nights I can ever remember. The weather was great and more than 8,000 people coming together to hear some excellent music for free can’t be wrong.”