USHER - "HELLO MANCHESTER", USHER TELLS KENT FESTIVAL-GOERS

"HELLO MANCHESTER", USHER TELLS KENT FESTIVAL-GOERS

R&B star Usher had his foot firmly in his mouth this weekend after shouting "Hello Manchester" to 20,000 music fans in Kent.

The 29-year-old made the embarrassing geographical slip-up at the beginning of his set at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Maidstone, prompting boos from sections of the crowd.

But the Love in This Club singer rebounded from the early setback to faultlessly preview some new material and reel off classic tracks.

Usher's gig followed performances from the Fratellis, Goldfrapp and Robyn at Mote Park, which was host to the biggest free ticketed festival in Europe.

Also playing were the Kooks, Duffy, the Raconteurs and Pendulum.

Madonna had earlier closed the festival's opening night with tracks from her latest album Hard Candy.

"Obviously, I want to do new stuff because I'm very excited about it," the Queen of Pop told Radio 1.

"I feel that's what people come to hear."