BLACKBURN was ready to feel the noise today -- and council bosses were on hand to make sure they didn't feel it too much!

Ewood Park was hosting its first ever music concert, with some of the country's best-known music acts descending on the stadium to entertain an expected 25,000 capacity crowd.

And council staff were on hand for the gig to see how things go. If the event is a success, councillors are hopeful that more events like it could be held.

Staff are being deployed to monitor sound levels from the ground, as well as the effect such an event has on traffic and parking in the area.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, executive member for citizens' rights and consumer affairs and an Ewood councillor, said: "Our officers will be looking at various things today to see what effect this event has. At the moment, it is a one-off. After all, Blackburn Rovers play football most of the season so there will only be a small window ever year for events like this to be organised.

"But we want to monitor it, to see what happens and see what could be done to improve things in the future.

"Things like noise and traffic will be looked at. Hopefully it will go well."

She added: "The residents are keeping an open mind to see how it goes. We will be interested to collect their views afterwards."

Around 25,000 tickets have been sold for the concert, which was due to start at midday. Artists like S Club 7, 5ive and Atmoic Kitten were on the bill along with local dance act N Trance.

Preston-based radio station Rock FM has promoted the event on air for the past two months, with tickets finally selling out earlier this week.