Britain's hottest pop stars drew record crowds to Brighton for the biggest-ever Party in the Park.

Road and rail routes into the city were packed from early yesterday morning as more than 100,000 made their way to Preston Park for the star-studded showcase in glorious sunshine.

Despite the huge crowds, police last night said the event had been almost trouble-free, with just six arrests for minor public order offences.

Chief Inspector Pete Mills said: "It was a fantastic family event."

Pop Idol Gareth Gates got the event off to a screaming start when, dressed in a black leather shirt, he launched into his number one hit, Unchained Melody.

The entertainment continued with H and Claire, formerly of Steps, bounding on stage followed by Hear'Say who won the crowd over with energetic versions of Everybody and Pure and Simple.

After a set from rising stars Aurora, the crowd was treated to larger-than-life Pop Idol singer Rik Waller. soulful pop diva Rhianna belted out her hit, Oh Baby and the Baha Men dressed in tropical shirts to perform Who Let The Dogs Out.

Romeo from So Solid Crew and DJ Luck and MC Neat added a garage flavour to the event before Samantha Mumba's 12-year-old brother, Omera, stepped on stage, sporting a nasty black eye.

He was followed by the Sugababes who rocked the party with their hit, Freak Like Me Liberty X, losers on the hit TV show Pop Stars, proved they were anything but the underdogs when they received a massive cheer for their number one single, Just A Little.

And Sussex favourite Sophie Ellis Bextor left crowds screaming for more after stunning renditions of Take Me Home and Murder on the Dance Floor.

But by far the biggest cheer came at the end of the day when headline act Blue performed their debut single, All Rise.

Backstage, local celebrities including Albion striker Bobby Zamora and former Bill star Chris Ellison rubbed shoulders with competition winners and artists.

More than 70 police officers were drafted in to cover the event in an operation code-named Parsley.

As the day came to a close and thousands of pop fans headed back to the station in Brighton, some officers were sent to assist British Transport Police who were ensuring people were able to board trains safely.

Chief Insp Mills said: "It was really successfuland the crowd was in good spirits throughout."

He added: "Everyone was well behaved and the crowds listened to all the messages given out."

He said six arrests was very low considering the large number who attended the event.

Sussex Ambulance service received no calls to its main switchboard and St John Ambulance Service members were on hand to deal with any injuries or health requirements.

Duncan, from Blue, said: "Last year when we played at Party in the Park we were a relatively new band.

"Now a year later we are back as the headline act. A lot happens in a year. We're amazed and totally thrilled and today has been one of the best days of 2002."

Bob Hoad, managing director of Southern FM, praised the acts and the crowd, saying: "We didn't think we could top last year's event but this year Party in the Park has been bigger and better than ever.

"Young people and their families have come along to see the UK's top pop bands and the atmosphere has been wonderful."

British Transport Police said lessons had been learnt from last year when stations were overwhelmed by crowds trying to leave.

Preston Park and London Road stations were closed for most of the day and crowds shepherded to Brighton station, with a queuing system.

Some pop fans had to wait for more than an hour due to the numbers.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said last night: "We haven't had any reports of any problems, the crowds dispersed well."