Thousands Flocked To Bangor BBC Proms

Thousands of people enjoyed an evening of classical and contemporary music in the grounds of Castle Park, Bangor at this year's BBC Proms in the Park on Saturday 10 September.

An audience of 4,000 were treated to a musical outdoor extravaganza headlined by Lesley Garrett, who was joined by some of the most accomplished and well known names in classical and contemporary music.

Now in its 10th year this was the first time the hugely popular outdoor musical concert was staged in the grounds of Castle Park, Bangor and featured performances from Northern Ireland's own Barry Douglas; Australian-born guitarist Craig Ogden; the Ulster Orchestra, under the baton of David Brophy and acclaimed singer/songwriter Declan O'Rourke.

This year with support from North Down Borough Council, BBC Proms in the Park teamed up once again with the Ulster Orchestra on a grand scale to present a night of popular classics.

BBC Northern Ireland's Noel Thompson and Claire McCollum presented the concert with the Ulster Orchestra and was broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster.

The event was part of the BBC's prestigious Last Night of the Proms celebrations – ambitious live events to mark the end of the world's largest classical music festival.

Local concert goers were 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 Hillsborough Castle.

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

The Mayor of North Down, Councillor James McKerrow said he was delighted and proud that Bangor had played host to such a spectacular event: "Proms in the Park 2011 in Bangor really was a night to remember. All those who attended enjoyed a truly spectacular evening of outstanding musical entertainment.

"I would like to thank everyone involved with the concert, both those on stage and those working behind the scenes, for all their efforts and special thanks to BBC Northern Ireland for choosing Castle Park as their venue this year."

(GK)