Shrewsbury Proms in the Park to go ahead as a tribute to the Queen

Starring Shropshire soprano Holly Teague, the West Midlands Proms Orchestra and Shrewsbury's Male Voice Choir, the show is billed as a celebration of classical music under the stars.

But the event was in doubt after the Queen's death at the age of 96 on Thursday, with the BBC cancelling the concluding two nights of The Proms which were due to take place at the Royal Albert Hall.

Organisers of the Shrewsbury proms met last night and decided to go ahead with the concert, at The West Midlands Showground, which the Queen visited in 1975 when she opened the President's Pavilion.

Musical director Justin Klekot said: "We are so deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

"After careful consideration over the past few hours we have made the decision to go ahead with the Proms in the Park as planned, with an adjusted musical programme that will celebrate the life of our late Queen.

"We believe the Proms will be a fitting tribute to someone who has served us all impeccably throughout the years and we hope you will all join us on Saturday to raise a song in her memory."

Peter Metcalfe, from UKAC events which is organising the show, said the programme of music was being tweaked and re-vamped to reflect the sombre mood of the nation but would include a celebration of the Queen's life.

He said: "It was a difficult decision but we think people will want to come out and celebrate her wonderful life and service to the country - the programme of music will reflect that and it should be a very poignant occasion with a few tears but, we hope, some laughter as well."

Around 1,000 tickets have been sold for the event but they can be purchased on the night from £17.50-£37.50. The gates open at 6pm and the performance begins at 7pm. Meanwhile planned beer festivals at Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth were going ahead as normal. The Shrewsbury CAMRA festival is taking place at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in St Mary's Street and runs until 10.30pm tonight and from 11am on Saturday,]

A CAMRA spokesman said: "We will not be posting any images, replying to any posts, or publishing any promotions. Our condolences to the Royal family on the loss of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. God save the King."

Bridgnorth CAMRA's Severn Valley beer festival is also going ahead without any live music or entertainment but with 50 beers, ciders and perries to sample.

It is running at the town's Severn Valley Railway station until 11pm tonight and from 11am tomorrow.