Chart-topping boy band Busted and former Hearsay singer Kym Marsh will be among stars headlining the bill at this summer's massive Party in the Park.

Fans are already snapping up tickets for the event - even though they cost £3 more than last year and other big names in the line-up are still to be revealed.

Organisers say the tickets across the board at £8, are going fast - despite the 60 per cent price increase - and saying the rise was needed to transform Myrtle Park, Bingley, into a suitable and safe venue and pay for the acts' travel expenses.

Simon Walkington, programme controller of The Pulse radio station, which has organised the event with Bradford Council, said: "Tickets are priced as such to allow us to cope with rising costs for the infrastructure of an ever-growing event.

"In comparison with Arena Concerts, our tickets are priced at a fraction of the often £20-plus ticket price whilst we're also offering better value with more variety in the line up."

The event on Sunday, August 31, is expected to attract a 25,000 crowd.

Last year the event was a sell out when the city's very own pop idol Gareth Gates took centre-stage on a scorcher of a late summer day.

Busted members Matt, Charlie and James will perform their Top Ten hits "Year 3000", "You Said No" and "What I Go To School For".

Kym Marsh, one of the original line-up of Popstars band Hear'Say who quit to get married to former EastEnders heart-throb Jack Ryder and to launch her own solo career, has already celebrated a chart-smash with "Cry" and is making waves with her new single "Come On Over".

Bradford Council has also announced details of a free concert and firework spectacular on Saturday August 30.

A host of bands have been signed up for the concert including the Manfreds who had hits with 'Do Wah Diddy Diddy', '5-4-3-2-1' and 'Pretty Flamingo'.

The Foundations, regarded as one of the most exciting British soul bands who had hits with 'Baby Now That I've Found You' and 'Build Me Up Buttercup', will also be there.

And Tribute band BeeGees Fever will be capturing the look, sound and sprit of the late 1970s.

The show will end with a bang when a fireworks finale will light up the sky.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's Executive Member for the Environment said: "It's a very popular fixture in Bradford's live music calendar and a great weekend out for all the family."

Tickets can be bought from the Box Office at St George's Hall in Bradford or by calling the Party In The Park hotline on (01274) 435000.