CROWDS of lucky fans watched in awe as their pop hero performed in Basildon.

Pop sensation Labrinth arrived to camera flashes and screaming supporters as he took to the stage at Chicago’s at Festival Leisure Park last night.

The singer, whose hits include Earthquake, Let The Sun Shine and Beneath Your Beautiful, with Emile Sande, is supporting a campaign to bring musical instruments into every school in the town.

James Rhodes’ Instrument Amnesty wants people to give up their unused musical instruments to allow children to have a go.

Labrinth said: “My primary school gave us instruments.

Paloma Faith, Professor Green, so many musicians came from my school because there was music. But it is not so important any more and that is losing a form of expression in schools.

Kids need it.

“You see people with their laptops and phones, another world is in a screen. You see celebrities with their laptops making music and performing in front of crowds but people need to pick up instruments.

“We need the Beatles back.”

The duo are being filmed for their musical quest by Channel 4, and it is being produced by Jamie Oliver’s production company Fresh One.

James is hoping it will do for children’s music education what Jamie Oliver did for the quality of school dinners.

James, 39, said: “I just want them to love music, to learn to read music and to be part of a team.

“I asked Labrinth to come along as pupils will listen to him more than me.”

Among the crowds were Echo competition winners Victoria Saward-Read and Janice Shields, who won the chance to meet the pop star.

Victoria, 16, of Thundersley Park Road, Benfleet, said: “I’m ecstatic that I won the competition, I can’t believe I’m going to meet him.”

Janice, 61, of Basildon, said: “We didn’t expect to win the tickets. I do think he’s quite the looker, it’s a shame I’m old enough to be his mum.”

To donate an instrument email music@freshone.tv or call 0203 375 5179.