Thousands of fans refused to let a bit of drizzle rain on their fun for JLS.

The foursome – JB Gill, Marvin Humes, Oritse Williams and Aston Merrygold – wowed thousands of fans at the PROBIZ County Ground in Hove last night.

Crowds gathered at the event from 3pm and excitement grew during performances by Cover Drive and Little Mix.

When the boy band took to the stage, wearing grey, black and white outfits at 7.30pm the crowd went wild. JB gave a shout out to the crowd: “Brighton, welcome to JLS’s summer tour 2012.”

Marvin added: “Brighton, make some noise.

“When we were last in Brighton they were not as good looking as this crowd. Brighton has stepped up.”

The group played a succession of hits including The Club Is Alive, Teach You How To Dance and Proud, but the crowd was wildest to their first hit Beat Again.

Inside the County Ground thousands made hand gestures in unison.

Hove residents reported being able to hear the music from several streets away.

Crawley primary school teachers Kath Bostock and Sarah Bevis went on a work social outing to the gig.

Ms Bostock, 29, of Haywards Heath, said: “I love them because of my pupils. They love them.”

Her 27-year-old colleague, from Hove, said: “We thought it would be something different to do.”

Birthday girl Georgia Court turned nine yesterday. She travelled from her home in Oxford for the show and was sporting badges with the band’s emblem on.

Dancing in the crowd, she said: “This is a brilliant birthday treat. I’m having loads of fun.”

Patcham High pupil Toby Doherty, 16, of Moulsecoomb, said: “I love Aston. I think he’s really, really cool.”

His cousin Melly Doherty, 25, from Moulsecoomb, said: I am a massive fan of JLS. I do fancy Aston a little bit. “I love them.”

Rain fell on and off throughout the gig, leaving some fans soaked to the skin after having their umbrellas confiscated at the entrance to the home of Sussex County Cricket.

The crowd said they loved seeing concerts at the venue.

Sarah Walker, an accounts assistant from Peacehaven, said: “We love going to see local things.

“Although I’m not a massive fan of JLS I really liked Elton John here last year. It’s just a great atmosphere.”

Her friend Becky Browning, 24, from Peacehaven, said: “It’s something to do on a bank holiday.

“If I wasn’t here I would just be stuck at home.”

Friends Beverley Scott, Laura Atkins-Peach, Tina Burt and Amy Davies have arrived wearing JLS’s trademark colours, green, red, blue and yellow.

Beverley, 36, of Worthing, wearing green, said: “We all came in JLS colours. Seeing JLS on a bank holiday – well it’s something a bit different to do.”

Laura, in red, also 36 and from Portslade, said: “I like their music and they’re good-looking young guys.”

Tina, 26, of Worthing, wearing blue, admitted: “This is the second time I’ve seen JLS this year.”

Amy, in yellow, from Shoreham, said: “It’s fun watching a bit of JLS”.

The friends took a vote on their favourite member of the group and settled on Oritse.

What did you think of the show? How did you feel about not being allowed to take in an umbrella? Tell us by calling the newsdesk on 01273 544539, emailing anna.roberts@theargus.co.uk or leaving a comment below. 

Are you pictured in The Argus? Don't miss our picture special in today's paper.