A shorter Proms in the Park… but still brilliant

20 Jul 2023

Our spectacular Proms in the Park concert was set to return in style on Saturday 8th July following a four-year break caused by Covid and its consequences.

Unfortunately, however, the worst weather in the history of the music-and-fireworks extravaganza resulted in the event having to be abandoned at the interval.

Under leaden skies, and with more heavy rain and lightning forecast, performers and audience members were ushered to safety from the school’s Blundell Park playing field where the event is traditionally staged.

Before this early finish, there had been many musical highlights for audience members to enjoy during the first half of the concert including the Grand March from Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner, songs from the West End performed by pupils from St. Mary’s Prep, the patriotic and ever-popular Jerusalem, and a James Bond medley performed by the College Symphony Orchestra which brought the concert to a close at the end of the first half.

Had the event been able to continue, second-half highlights would have included Offenbach’s Can Can and the Great Gate of Kiev by Mussorgsky as well as Proms favourites Land of Hope and Glory by Elgar and the Fantasia on British Sea Songs written by Proms founder Henry Wood.

As in previous years, Proms in the Park was designed to showcase the musical skills of around 250 students from St. Mary’s College and its Preparatory School, and was conducted by Director of Music Andrew Byers. There was also a special guest appearance by acclaimed soprano Rachael Russell, a former pupil of the college.

All this was enjoyed by an appreciative audience, many of whom had enjoyed an open air picnic before settling down to the musical entertainment and some frenetic flag waving, before the weather took a turn for the worse.

Commenting on the event, Jonne Quint, St. Mary’s Director of Marketing, said: “Obviously having to curtail the concert was a huge disappointment, but safety always has to be our number one priority and we took the decision on advice from our health and safety consultants.

“Thankfully we were able to evacuate everybody from the event site quickly and safely before the weather deteriorated. We would like to thank everyone involved – performers and audience members – for their co-operation during this process.”

St. Mary’s College Principal, Mike Kennedy, added: “Despite the problems with the weather the standard of performances at Proms in the Park demonstrated once again the wealth of musical talent that exists at the school.

“I would like to pay tribute to all the students who took part, and extend a special vote of thanks to the audience members who came along in such large numbers to support the event, despite the challenging circumstances.”