About 5,000 people gathered for a free concert in Manchester hosted by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Manchester City team and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson joined the club's new owner for a Thailand-themed party in Albert Square on Saturday night.

The biggest cheer was reserved for a rendition of City anthem Blue Moon, which Dr Shinawatra sang to the crowd.

The club's new owner was making his first major public appearance since being ousted from power in Thailand by a military coup last year.

His ownership has caused controversy among some football fans.

In addition to a string of corruption charges he faces in Thailand, the former Prime Minister was described by Human Rights Watch as "a human rights abuser of the worst kind".

But addressing the crowd on Saturday night, he thanked the club and the people of Manchester for accepting him.

He said: "I feel very honoured and touched by the type of reception I have received from you all today."