BURNLEY'S Bands In The Park was bigger than ever before -- but not everything was better.

For the third year in a row the sun shone and the crowds responded, with over 15,000 music lovers packed into Queen's Park.

But why did the bill of eight bands only include three local outfits?

If the out-of-town acts had been something really special, or been tipped as the next big thing, it would have made sense.

But three out of the four imported, unsigned bands had little to offer.

Worst offenders were show openers Manjeet and the A Vibe who, despite the warmth of the afternoon sun, left the audience stone cold with their Eastern sounds.

Big Speakers, from Oxford, weren't much better. Fronted by three rappers, the trio strutted their stuff but their angry Coolio-style rantings were simply uninspiring.

Burnley indie outfit The Weekenders were more in tune with the crowd wanted. Their mix of original, melodic tunes with covers of Republica and Jamiroquoi songs were well received.

Element arrived mid-afternoon and played as if the gig meant everything to them. Singer/guitarist Jay Stansfield looked like a man possessed, leaping around the stage as he forced every ounce of energy from his guitar.

The confidence and professionalism of their performance was one of the highlights of the afternoon.

The impressive Depon Eye showcased the most diverse set of the day from their new album. The five-piece had something for everyone.

Headliners Dodgy looked like a band with an identity crisis. Yes, they have the name of the group who wowed festival crowds in the mid-'90. But with only one original member left, drummer Matt Priest, playing the classics like In A room and So Let Me Go Far seemed a hardship.

CLIVE LAWRENCE