Proms magic draws big crowd
More than 4,500 concert-goers descended on Weston Park for a Proms-style musical spectacular. More than 4,500 concert-goers descended on Weston Park for a Proms-style musical spectacular. The crowds packed picnics and some donned dinner suits and brought their own candelabras to match the classical mood of the evening's orchestral music in beautiful summer sunshine. One star guest at the extravaganza on Saturday was Jon Lord, founder member of legendary rock band Deep Purple. Jon is now a recognised classical musician and performed three of his own compositions, accompanied by the English National Orchestra. Soprano Janet Mooney and tenor Wynne Evans also performed, with the orchestra conducted by Jae Alexander. See our photo gallery below and read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
More than 4,500 concert-goers descended on Weston Park for a Proms-style musical spectacular.
The crowds packed picnics and some donned dinner suits and brought their own candelabras to match the classical mood of the evening's orchestral music in beautiful summer sunshine.
See our photo gallery below
One star guest at the extravaganza on Saturday was Jon Lord, founder member of legendary rock band Deep Purple.
Jon is now a recognised classical musician and performed three of his own compositions, accompanied by the English National Orchestra.
Soprano Janet Mooney and tenor Wynne Evans also performed, with the orchestra conducted by Jae Alexander.
The annual night of classical music and other entertainment was the fifth to be held in the grounds of the stately home but, despite the glorious summer weather, the attendance was slightly down on last year.
Andrew Wyke, producer, said: "Perhaps it is cliche to mention the credit crunch. I don't know, but maybe people were feeling the pinch a little.
"There was still a great turnout and Weston audiences are always very enthusiastic and really enter in the spirit of the occasion.
"We had some turning up in evening dress and lugging their own candelabras from the car park and hundreds packed a picnic to enjoy while listening to the music."
The show got off to a rousing start shortly after 7.30pm with a 15-minute aerial display accompanied by wartime music.
There was also a Last Night of the Proms-style section with stirring melodies and hymns which got the crowds in flag-waving mood, such as Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.
The concert also incorporated a range of family-friendly activities such as sampling ice-cream and this year offered "pay your child's age" concessionary tickets.
Mr Wyke said: "It was a great night and the beautiful weather really helped.
"The show just seems to sum up everything good about the English summer, with great, classical music, picnics in beautiful surroundings and glorious sunshine," he added.
By Simon Hardy
Proms in the Park 2008 at Weston Park. Photos by James Beattie.
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Soprano Janet Mooney and conductor Jae Alexander.
The audience watches a Spitfire fly past the stage during the show.
The Spitfire during the flypast.
It's all eyes to the sky for the flypast.
Enjoying the evening in the sun are the Tomlinson family from Wolverhampton.
Brother and sister, Anna and Mark Preece with mum, Di Preece, from Shrewsbury.
The prom was the perfect event for Julie Haldron's hen do.
Pictured are, back; Lynsey Hammond, Julie Haldron, Jo Steadman
and, front; Ann Haldron, Eileen Walsh, Vicki Fox - from Shrewsbury and South Shropshire.
Travelling just done the road from Newport were front; Dawn Simpson and Angela Perkins and, back; Sue Ash and Fatima Al Saad visiting from Saudi Arabia.
Ann and Phil Rock from Telford.
James Rogers, left, and Dan Bates, from Oakengates.
Flags galore at Proms in the Park 2008.
Flags are waved as the orchestra strikes up another tune.
