CHART-TOPPING band the Sugababes lit up the Reebok Stadium last night.

The pretty trio - the star act on the opening night of the stadium's Big Light On festival - walked on the stage in front of the West Stand in funked-up sports wear and high heels to perform 12 songs from their three highly successful albums to more than 3,000 adoring fans.

To kick-start their 90-minute performance, they belted out the number one hit "Freak Like Me".

The audience jumped up from their seats to dance and sing along to one of the Sugababes more popular tracks.

The Babes went on to sing "Overload", "Round Round" and Heidi's favourite song, "Stronger", as she told the audience: "This is very personal to me, to all three of us, and it means a lot."

Sugababes fan Nickita Lee aged 12, travelled from Wigan to see the threesome perform: "I'm really excited, I like both the Sugababes and Big Brovaz."

British band Big Brovaz was the warm-up act, performing six songs including "Nu Flow", "OK" and "Baby Boy".

Despite 2,000 empty seats, the Babes continued to entertain the crowd encouraging them to get up off their seats and get involved with the show.

Parents and children aged six to 16 enjoyed the fun at the stadium on the fine but chilly night. Posters were held high and whistles were blown.

The audience and concert organisers declared the start of the Big Lights On festival - which will cover six nights of live music with a stunning line-up of acts - a success.

Gareth Moores, commercial director for Bolton Wanderers, said: "I am really pleased. Over 3,000 people turned up to what was effectively the first concert in a new stadium. I'm very happy."

The festival continues tonight with the Here and Now show featuring Toyah, T'pau, ABC, Howard Jones, Go West and Curiosity Killed the Cat.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will be at the venue tomorrow.