Will Smith gig offers fresh take on seaside town

Will Smith played the Dreambeach Festival in Retamar, Spain, as part of the tour

The seaside town of Scarborough played host to Hollywood star Will Smith as he kicked off the UK leg of his first ever European tour.

The Grammy Award-winning actor and rapper chose the seaside resort on the coast of North Yorkshire to begin his 'Based on a True Story' tour in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 6,000 people.

The concert - held at Scarborough Open Air Theatre - follows the release of his first album in 20 years.

Smith, best known for his roles in TV sitcom The Prince of Bel-Air and films such as Men in Black and Aladdin, will follow the Scarborough gig with dates in Manchester, London and Paris.

'It's bonkers'

Alison Lee, from Scarborough, said she couldn't believe Will Smith was performing in her home town.

"If Will Smith comes to your town you go and see him," she said.

"I think it's bonkers. Until I see him I don't think I'll believe he's here."

Andrew travelled from Wigan to attend the concert with his sister who lives in Scarborough

Among the crowd was nine-year-old Alyssa who, despite being born 17 years before the release of Will Smith's first album Big Willie Style, said she had seen the artist on TikTok and decided she wanted to come along.

Some audience members dressed for the occasion - including Jordan Taylor, from Sunderland - who donned a 1990s-style shell suit and a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air T-shirt.

"It's a unique outfit," he said.

"I love him. I'm most looking forward to Miami."

Jordan Taylor dug out his Fresh Prince of Bel-Air T-shirt for the occasion

Andrew, who did not give his surname, travelled from Wigan for the event.

He said: "My sister lives in Scarborough.

"It just so happens that Will Smith is here. I can't wait. I can't believe he's here.

"A Hollywood star coming to Scarborough is amazing."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.