Bangor 'Goes Operatic' For BBC Proms

Popular soprano Lesley Garrett and Belfast-born pianist Barry Douglas appear alongside other well known names in classical and contemporary music at this year's BBC Proms in the Park event in the grounds of Castle Park, Bangor, tomorrow, Saturday 10 September, as part of the world-famous Last Night of the Proms celebrations.

Also lined up to perform at this year's event are internationally acclaimed Australian guitarist Craig Ogden and multi-talented singer/songwriter Declan O'Rourke.

BBC Proms in the Park Northern Ireland is now in its 10th year. This year with support from North Down Borough Council, BBC Proms in the Park teams up once again with the Ulster Orchestra on a grand scale to present a night of popular classics.

The event is part of the BBC's prestigious Last Night of the Proms celebrations across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales who host ambitious live events to mark the end of the world's largest classical music festival.

The concert will be presented by Noel Thompson and Claire McCollum, joining the Ulster Orchestra under the baton of acclaimed conductor, David Brophy.

Lighting displays and a big screen are all part of a three-hour music extravaganza to be enjoyed by enthusiasts from all over Northern Ireland.

Complimentary tickets for the Bangor event which were issued through a random draw have all been allocated.

For those attending the event full details of terms and conditions will be included with tickets.

Alternatively audiences can listen to, or view, BBC Proms in the Park as it will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster, from 7.30pm, introduced by John Toal.

A selection of options will be available via the red button for television viewers on Digital Satellite and Freeview.

BBC Proms in the Park from the grounds of Castle Park, Bangor will be recorded and shown on BBC Northern Ireland television later in the year.

Concert goers will be able to view sections of the Last Night of the Proms from the Royal Albert Hall throughout the night on a giant video screen in the grounds of the Castle Park.

Peter Johnston, Director BBC Northern Ireland, said: "Proms in the Park in Northern Ireland is one of the most prestigious and large-scale events we undertake each year.

"We are looking forward to bringing it for the first time to the grounds of Castle Park, Bangor. Music lovers can be assured of a very special evening of musical entertainment from a mix of talented local and international artists - all set against the stunning backdrop of Bangor Castle."

The Mayor of North Down, Councillor James McKerrow, commented: "We are absolutely delighted to host the BBC Proms in the Park this year and I believe the beautiful grounds of Castle Park, with the backdrop of the Edwardian Bangor Castle building, will make a very special setting for this prestigious event.

"Concerts don't come much bigger than the Last Night of the Proms and we are pleased that Bangor will represent Northern Ireland at this acclaimed event."

(BMcC/GK)