This year’s Proms in the Park received a great turnout and delighted the crowd with an array of performances from local artists.
Now in it’s 11th year, Proms in the Park was compered by local actor Ken Knowles and welcomed the British Police Symphony Orchestra to perform a number of popular classics along with some vocal groups and soloists. Highlights included Deborah Roberts singing Chanson Bohem from Carmen, Paul Roberts singing Stars from Les Miserables and Lichfield Operatic Society performing Rhythm of Life from Sweet Charity.
Jo MacAlister of Lichfield Operatic Society later joined Deborah Roberts in a rendition of Flower Duet from Lakme. Bella Musica made quite an impression with their performances of World in Union and Impossible Dream. Both Bella Musica and Lichfield Operatic Society then teamed up to treat the crowd to Do you hear the people sing? from Les Miserables.
Towards the end of the night the crowd were asked to vote between 633 Squadron or Dambusters’ March by way of applause. After two ‘counts’ new music director, Tom Hammond decided that both had won, delighting and amusing the assembled audience. These two were quickly followed by the traditional performances of Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 which was accompanied by a fireworks display to round off the night.
Much noise was made about the sponsors who make the free event possible each year. These included county councillors Terry Finn, Janet Eagland, Alan White, Steve Tranter and Matthew Ellis though their Staffordshire Local Community Fund. Lichfield District Council Councillor Barry Diggle also supported the event along with Lichfield City Councillor and Mayor Terry Thomas.
A number of other organisations sponsored the event including Chase Ices, Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust, Diamond Edge Events Ltd, Shakespeare in the Park, Britannia Bathrooms, Secret Garden floral designers, Moseleys Solicitors and Colour Graphics.
There are a few photos of the event on Flickriver.
