More than 120,000 people voiced their support for Leeds' 2018 FIFA World Cup bid at last weekend's Opera in the Park and Party in the Park celebrations.

The huge crowds gathered at Temple Newsam Park for the two day extravaganza and gave the Football Association a clear message about which city should host matches in 2018.

The chants of 'back the bid Leeds' - believed to be the biggest collective show of support for a host city yet - were backed by many of the weekend's performers which including Sophie Ellis-Bextor and X-Factor finalists, JLS.

Momentum behind the Leeds bid is gathering with businesses and schools joining various Leeds United legends - such as Norman Hunter, Nigel Martyn and Gordon McQueen - to back the bid at backthebidleeds.com.

If the bid is successful Leeds United's Elland Road stadium would be used for matches while other towns and cities within the 11 local authorities which make up the Leeds City Region would be used as locations for training grounds, Fan Fest sites and team bases.

Councillor Richard Brett, leader of Leeds City Council, said: "Party in the Park and Opera in the Park were once again amazing events which demonstrated the great atmosphere and hospitality that Leeds and the Leeds City Region can offer.

"The message from the thousands of people was that Leeds is ready, willing and able to host World Cup matches - now we have to collect enough votes at backthebidleeds.com to show the FA that Leeds really means business."

Shaun Harvey, chief executive of Leeds United, said: "The support for the bid from Party in the Park and Opera in the Park was amazing - I'm surprised the FA couldn't hear the chants from their London headquarters.

"But actions apeak louder than words and we now need that support to be turned into votes - which can be done by visiting backthebidleeds.com and following the directions to ensure the Leeds bid is successful."

Leeds is one of 15 cities across the country which have declared an interest in hosting World Cup fixtures in nine years time if the overall England bid is successful.

The bid is being prepared by Leeds City Council, Leeds United and Marketing Leeds with the help of many other organisations.

If Leeds secures host city status, games would be played at Elland Road. It's proposed that improvements would be made to the stadium so it would be capable hosting matches up to and including quarter final.

To vote for Leeds to be one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup follow the link below...