The organisers of Andover Proms on Saturday have reminded people to wrap up warm for the musical concert.
The free event at Vigo Park starts at 5:30pm but won’t finish until after it’s dark around 10:30pm.
Proms Director Richard Rowles encourages visitors to wrap themselves up in a “large knitted Union Flag”. He says, “Whereas the weather forecast looks suitably mild for the day, we need to remember that this is Britain and temperatures will dip after sundown.”
“Hopefully people will enter into the spirit of the event and wrap themselves in bunting. On a serious note, jumpers, coats and blankets are strongly recommended, especially for the elder members of our audience”.
Live music will be on the stage at the start of the evening, with a live feed of the Last Night of the Proms from the Royal Albert Hall starting around 9:00pm.
It is hoped that attendees will make entry donations toward the free event, for which Andover town council, the original organisers, were planning to charge up to £15 per ticket. The town council withdrew its support after they claimed they could face costs up to £20,000.
Test Valley Borough Council recently contributed toward event running costs through a councillors’ grant fund, a spokesperson at the council said, “This is because it fits the priorities of the Andover Vision“. The town’s new local radio station took on full responsibility for hosting the event and has also gained support from many local businesses including KJM Windows and recruitment firm Active Staff to make the concert available to all with no admission charge.
Local acts performing at the event include Lisa Faye, formerly of the Barbra Streisand Experience and 11-piece jazz ensemble The Mighty Hump. Organisers are also arranging cameo performances from local musicians. A bar, refreshments and toilets are available on site.
Minibus transport to and from the event is available for the disabled and elderly and is bookable through Test Valley Community Services (TVCS) on 01264 362600.
