THEY were the cheesy pop group that stormed the charts time and again before they disbanded after four successful years together.

They have since reformed and are playing to sell-out audiences.

Now organisers of a music weekend heading to Swansea this summer have confirmed Steps will be one of its headline acts.

The five-piece pop band — Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott- Lee, Faye Tozer and Ian Watkins — reformed last year for a documentary series on Sky Living.

Their reunion tour will come to the city’s Singleton Park as part of the new August Bank Holiday weekend music festival.

Music legends Status Quo have already been confirmed as part of the event likely to pull in thousands of people and prove a money-spinner for the area.

Tickets for Steps, who sold more than 15 million records at the height of their success and scored 14 consecutive top-five singles, including the platinum-selling Heartbeat/Tragedy, go up for sale on Sunday.

Singer Ian Watkins said yesterday the group promised what he called “a Steptacular show” when they come to Swansea.

It is thought likely the three-day event will draw huge crowds from a wide area, providing a boost for hoteliers and guest house owners. The city has a proven track record of hosting successful events such as the BBC’s Proms in the Park. However, last year, that event was switched by the Corporation to Caerphilly.

But shows by rocker Rod Stewart and boy band JLS at the Liberty Stadium last summer both proved massive hits.

Councillor Graham Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism said the show was a welcome boost to the city.

He added: “We are delighted. Singleton Park has hosted many fantastic concerts in the past and this event will be no exception.”

Steps fan club member Helen Cole, 32, from Limeslade, said: “It’s great for Swansea and great for their fans.”