Lichfield Proms
Thousands of people waved their flags and sang with gusto at the fifteenth Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park on Saturday 7 September 2013.
Organised by Lichfield District Council, Lichfield Proms is a huge free celebration of classical and popular music, picnics and fireworks.
Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Communications & Tourism, said: “Everyone came together for a wonderful evening, celebrating fifteen years of this much-loved annual event.
“With stirring music, beautiful singing, fireworks and a fantastic crowd that waved their flags, sung along with spirit and cheered throughout the concert, it was the perfect way to end the summer.”
The evening’s festivities started at 5pm with activities for children and face painting. Lots of young people had fun on a traditional teacup fairground ride and a series of giant inflatables.
The City of Lichfield Concert Band kicked off the music at 6pm, playing a selection of popular classics, while the audience found their spaces and set up their picnics. Musical highlights included a selection of Broadway tunes, music from the James Bond films, and hits from The Beatles.
This led to the main concert which featured The British Police Symphony Orchestra and soloists, Sarah Ryan and Matthew Kimble. This year’s musical programme celebrated fifteen years of Lichfield Proms, with the orchestra playing the most popular pieces of music and songs from over the years. Musical treats included: Nessun Dorma, Summertime and a Star Trek medley.
The concert was compered by the orchestra’s principal percussionist, Danny Mizon, who got everyone into the celebratory mood.
The evening was brought to a close with a series of proms anthems, with many people joining in with Rule Britannia and Jerusalem. The night ended with a fireworks display to the stirring sounds of Land of Hope and Glory.
Val continued: “Proms is a huge event to stage and I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to organise it, as well as our sponsors and everyone who made a donation on the night. A big thank you must also go to the City of Lichfield Concert Band, The British Police Symphony Orchestra, our amazing singers and compere, who made it such a memorable evening for us all.”
Businesses and organisations that sponsored Lichfield Proms 2013 include: Staffordshire County Councillors – David Smith, Caroline Wood, Janet Eagland, and Terry Finn – through Staffordshire Local Community Fund, Midlands Co-operative, Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust, Brownhill Hayward Brown, Go Mobile, The Boss Partnership, Secret Garden, Thornton Claverley IFA Ltd, Faurecia, Moseleys Solicitors, PJS Autos, Beacon Street Garage, Lichfield Gazette, Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Wilcox Refinishers and Lichfield City Council.