Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Proms in the Park returns

The always very popular event will be returning this year in Meyrick Park on Friday, July 26, kicking off with a ‘Classical Spectacular’ night. 

Featuring a mix of film, music and classical music, conductor Pete Harrison said it will be a little bit different this year. 

“It's a pickup of all the best of everything... we've got a lovely mix including some John Williams, Hans Zimmer and then various other classical spectacular pieces from Carmen, Romeo and Juliet,” he said. 

Proms in the Park will return this weekend (Image: Corin Messer)

“Star Wars is our first one, and that's if that's not a big welcome to the concert then I don't know what it is.  

“It's just superb; it's written for full orchestra and when you hear a full orchestra playing it, it gets you right between your eyes.” 

Pete said Proms in the Park is different to what the BSO usually does, with it being more informal and with greater audience participation. 

“The whole point is we want the audience to come along and have a great time and listen to great music, be entertained, be moved.  

“I'm still trying to get the audience to feel what the piece is about and feel the emotions of the pieces of music, even though we're outdoors, even though people are maybe chatting and kids running around, it's great, especially with the disco concert.  

“By the end, everybody's up and dancing. That's a big difference. Saturday is a lot more audience participation; they dress up like crazy, especially for the disco one.  

“You can imagine the amount of sequins we have to sweep up from the park afterwards is quite remarkable.”  

Thousands turn up to the annual event held in Bournemouth’s Meyrick Park and the audience always give a “fantastic” reception, Pete added. 

“The whole point is people come with their picnics, those that want to really listen to music tend to come in super early, sit at the front, they bring their picnics, their bottles of wine. 

“Some even bring a table with them and a butler who they'll bring their garden chairs and the butler will then serve them for the evenings. Some people really tuck into it and do in true style.  

(Image: Corin Messer)

“Others bring sandwiches and a couple of bottles or something to sit and just enjoy this wonderful music.”  

And this year’s event is likely to be another weekend to remember for the orchestra’s loyal fans, with the weather forecasting sunshine. 

In the past the BSO has done nights of Queen, ABBA, 80s and disco nights. 

Proms in the Park returns on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27. Tickets are still on sale. Gates open from 6pm.