Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park

A fantastic end to the night!

The sun shone and around 9,000 people descended on Beacon Park on Saturday to enjoy the council’s twenty-second Lichfield Proms.

Lichfield District Council’s free annual Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park took place on Saturday 4 September 2021.

The end-of-summer event featured music from Eureka Jazz and a concert by the British Police Symphony Orchestra.

Eureka Jazz played music from the Great American Songbook as proms-goers found their spaces. This led up to the British Police Symphony Orchestra taking to the stage at 7.30pm. The orchestra, conducted by Richard Jenkinson, was joined by experienced compere, Danny Mizon and the singers, Claire Prewer and Anando Mukerjee.

The programme included themes from 2001 Space Odyssey, James Bond and Monty Python’s Flying Circus, as well as a medley from The Sound of Music, Nessun Dorma the Love Duet from Madam Butterfly and more.

The evening ended with everyone on their feet, waving their Union Flags to the proms anthems, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory, to a firework finale overhead.

Councillor Iain Eadie, Cabinet Member responsible for Parks & Leisure, said: “It was such a fantastic evening and wonderful to be outside with so many members of our community, celebrating together. It was a joy to see everyone having a great time, waving their flags and lighty uppy things, enjoying the music and the atmosphere.

“Thank you to all the team who worked so hard over the year to organise Lichfield Proms, to all the sponsors who help support this spectacular event, and to the brilliant musicians for entertaining us. We must also thank our volunteers who helped us on the night and with the clean-up.”

Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park 2021 was sponsored by: Strongs Plastic Products Ltd, Prizm Solutions, Morespace 4 U, Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Allen Brown Jewellery, Beacon Street Garage, The Best of Lichfield, Blueprint Designs, Grosvenor Shutters, C Residential, Wilcox Refinishers and Secret Garden.

Lichfield City Council and the Staffordshire County Councillors Janet Eagland, Richard Cox, David Smith, Colin Greatorex and Janice Silvester-Hall also supported Lichfield Proms through grant funding.

Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park

With Lichfield Proms just days away the organisers are giving a sneak peek at the musical programme that has something for everyone.

Lichfield District Council is putting the finishing touches to arrangements for its proms night spectacular, which is taking place in Beacon Park on Saturday 4 September 2021.

The free entry event will get underway from 6pm when Eureka Jazz will take to the stage to warm the audience up as they find their spaces.

In what is a first time appearance for the band at Lichfield Proms, the quartet will play a mixture of traditional jazz and melodic tunes from the Great American Songbook of the 1920s, 30s and 40s.

This will lead up to the main concert from 7.30pm performed by The British Police Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Richard Jenkinson.

Musical highlights include the themes from 2001 Space Odyssey, James Bond and Monty Python’s Flying Circus, as well as Nimbus 2000 from Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone and a medley from The Sound of Music.

The soprano Claire Prewer will sing You Raise Me Up and the tenor Anando Mukerjee will sing Nessun Dorma, and they will both perform the Love Duet from Madame Butterfly.
The night will be brought to a close with a firework finale and all the proms anthems, including Land of Hope and Glory.

Dr Richard Jenkinson, British Police Symphony Orchestra’s Musical Director, said: “We wanted to bring something for everyone after such a lengthy absence and difficult times. We are truly excited to bring live music back onto the stage once again.”

Councillor Iain Eadie, Cabinet Member responsible for Parks, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to our twenty-second Lichfield Proms, and the audience will be in for a treat with a musical programme that includes film scores, popular classical music and opera, along with all the proms anthems we know and love.

“Thanks to a collaboration with Ibiza Proms, this year our event will feature a new stage and an improved sound system. We’re also changing the layout, moving the gazebos back to allow everyone to spread out more on the night. We’ll also be encouraging everyone to wear face coverings in busy areas and to use the hand sanitiser that will be available.”

Photo courtesy of Michfelle Williams Photography

Proms goers are being urged to reserve their prime seating at tables ahead of this year’s Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park, which is on Saturday 4 September 2021.

Organised by Lichfield District Council, Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park brings thousands of people together from across the region to enjoy an evening of music, picnicking and a fireworks finale.

While entry to the event is free, and everyone is welcome to bring their own seating and picnic blankets, for £15 per person music lovers can book prime seating at tables in front of the stage.

Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:

“This year’s Lichfield Proms is extra special as it couldn’t go ahead last year due to the pandemic. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer in the beautiful surroundings of Beacon Park.

“Booking prime seating at tables in front of the stage is a great way to enjoy the concert in style and comfort. There’s always a fantastic atmosphere in the prime seating area but tickets are limited, so don’t forget to book in good time.”

This year’s concert is set to feature music from Eureka Jazz and The British Police Symphony Orchestra, who will lead the main concert along with professional singers. The night will be brought to an end with a fireworks finale and rousing proms anthems.

The event also includes activities for children, food and drink stalls and a proms shop, where audience members can stock up on their patriotic flags and hats.

Prime seating costs £15 each plus a small booking fee and can be bought in groups of four or six.

Book your seating online.

To reserve a table in the prime seating area, go to www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/lichfieldproms to find out how to book and pay online.

Parking will be available on the night at Beacon Park for a donation of £5, which includes a Lichfield Proms programme.

Sponsors launch Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park 2021

Supporters launch the event to end the summer in style, which will take place on Saturday 4 September.

Back for 2021, Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park promises to be an evening of live music, picnics, singing and flag waving, topped off with a fireworks finale.

Now in its 22nd year, the line-up will see children’s activities and refreshments from 5.30pm, Eureka Jazz warm up the crowd as they find their places from 6pm, and the main concert by the British Police Symphony Orchestra from 7.30pm.

The free entry event organised by Lichfield District Council for the whole community is supported by local companies and organisations.

Councillor Iain Eadie, Cabinet Member responsible for Parks, said:

“I know everyone will be thrilled to see the return of Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park this summer.

“I would like thank all our sponsors, who are helping us make sure this event can continue to be free for everyone. I would also like to thank Cocker Hoop Creative, who are putting on the Ibiza Proms the evening before, for working alongside the council and contributing to the two days of proms in Beacon Park.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Beacon Park on the Saturday evening to enjoy a free night of music and the chance to come together outdoors with family and friends.

“With high levels of Covid cases, even though restrictions are now relaxed, we would still encourage audience members to use a face mask when moving around, use hand gel and help maintain a safe distance from your neighbours during the event.”

2021 sponsors so far include: Strongs Plastic Products Ltd, Prizm Solutions, Morespace 4 U, Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Allen Brown Jewellery, Beacon Street Garage, The Best of Lichfield, Blueprint Designs, Grosvenor Shutters, C Residential, Wilcox Refinishers and Secret Garden.

Lichfield City Council and the Staffordshire County Councillors Janet Eagland, Richard Cox, David Smith and Janice Silvester-Hall are also supporting Lichfield Proms through grant funding.

Find out more.

Lichfield District Council has confirmed that Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park 2020 will not go ahead this year.

Since the coronavirus pandemic started, officers and councillors have been looking at possible ways to deliver the event. However, with September fast approaching and given the covid-related government guidance, it has become clear that going ahead with Lichfield Proms would be neither viable nor responsible.

Councillor Richard Cox, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks & Waste, said: “It is with great regret that we have decided to cancel this year’s event.

“We have been reviewing the practicalities of hosting Lichfield Proms since the start of the covid lockdown. As we get closer to the date, the case for not going ahead this year is clear.

“At this time a large-scale audience event of this nature could pose a risk to public safety and government guidance is clear on this.

“We are looking at a range of alternative options, including a different type of event, potentially later in the year.

“I am very sorry to have to make this announcement and I know residents and visitors will be disappointed as Lichfield Proms is a big highlight of the summer. However, our prime responsibility is to support public safety.

“I hope we will be able to deliver an event of some kind later in the year and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lichfield Proms in 2021.”

To find out more about visiting Beacon Park go to www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk.

About Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park 2020

Lichfield Proms was due to take place in Beacon Park in Lichfield on Saturday 5 September 2020.

The free entry outdoor concert was expected to attract an audience of around 10,000.

It was set to feature the City of Lichfield Concert Band, followed by the main concert to be performed by the British Police Symphony Orchestra, and a firework finale.

Photo by Will Brindley

Thousands of people descended on Beacon Park on Saturday 7 September to enjoy the end-of-summer event, Lichfield Proms.

Lichfield District Council’s free annual Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park took place on Saturday 7 September.

The outdoor event featured music from the City of Lichfield Concert Band and the British Police Symphony Orchestra.

The City of Lichfield Concert Band played as proms-goers found their spaces. This led up to the British Police Symphony Orchestra taking to the stage at 7.30pm. The 75-piece orchestra, conducted by Richard Jenkinson, was joined by compere, Danny Mizon and the singers Claire Prewer, Anando Mukerjee and Nick Pilborough.

Highlights of the main programme included music from The Greatest Showman and Frozen, along with Freddie Mercury’s Barcelona, and opera favourite, Nessun Dorma.

The evening ended with everyone on their feet, waving their Union Flags to the proms anthems, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Pomp and Circumstance No 1, to a firework finale overhead.

Councillor Liz Little, Cabinet Member for Recycling & Leisure, said: “Lichfield Proms in the beautiful surroundings of Beacon Park is the perfect way to end the summer. We had amazing music and singing, fireworks and a fantastic crowd that waved their flags, sang along and cheered throughout the concert.

“It’s a huge event to stage and I would like to thank all the proms team who work so hard to organise it, as well as our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who made a donation on the night – we couldn’t have done it without your kind support.”

Lichfield Proms 2019 was sponsored by: BHB Architects, A Plan Insurance, Strongs Plastic Products, Allen Brown Jewellery, Wilcox Refinishers, Prizm Solutions, Friel Homes, Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Premier Group, Beacon Street Garage, Rotary Club of Lichfield St Chad, Blueprint Designs, The Best of Lichfield, Keelys Solicitors, Grosvenor Shutters, C Residential, Cosmetica and Secret Garden.

Lichfield BID, Lichfield City Council and Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust supported Lichfield Proms through grant funding.

Take a look at photos from the night…

Photo by Michelle Williams Photography

With the big event taking place in just over a week, excitement is mounting for Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park on Saturday 7 September.

Lichfield District Council is working hard to make sure its twenty-first Lichfield Proms is a night to remember.

It is preparing for thousands of people to descend on Beacon Park for a night of music, picnics, entertainment and a firework finale.

The free entry event starts from 5.30pm with food stalls and activities for children, which are set to include inflatable fun, fairground rides and bungee trampolining.

Photo by Michelle Williams Photography

At 6pm the City of Lichfield Concert Band will play an hour of popular classical music, musical medleys, jazz, film scores and pop tunes. This will give audience members time to find their spaces and start on their picnics.

Then at 7.30pm the British Police Symphony Orchestra will take to the proms stage for the main concert, led by conductor Dr Richard Jenkinson and compered by PC Danny Mizon.

The 75-piece orchestra will play a varied programme, including music from The Greatest Showman and Frozen, along with with Freddie Mercury’s Barcelona, Nessun Dorma and all the proms anthems.

The orchestra will be joined on stage by three classically trained singers, including the soprano Claire Prewer, the tenor Anando Mukerjee and Nick Pilborough.

Councillor Liz Little, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Recycling & Leisure, said: “This year’s Lichfield Proms promises to be a night to remember, and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to Beacon Park on 7 September to celebrate great music and community cheer.

“We have been able to once again keep proms free entry, which would not have been possible without the 21 businesses and organisations who are supporting through sponsorship and grants. We also welcome donations on the night, which also helps to fund the event.”

Sponsors launch 2019 Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park

Lichfield Proms 2019 is sponsored by: BHB Architects, A Plan Insurance, Strongs Plastic Products, Allen Brown Jewellery, Wilcox Refinishers, Prizm Solutions, Friel Homes, Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Premier Group, Beacon Street Garage, Rotary Club of Lichfield St Chad, Blueprint Designs, The Best of Lichfield, Keelys Solicitors, Grosvenor Shutters, C Residential, Cosmetica and Secret Garden.

Lichfield BID, Lichfield City Council and Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust are also supporting Lichfield Proms through grant funding.

Find out more about what to expect at proms with our useful FAQs.

Photo by Will Brindley

With hits from The Greatest Showman, Batman and Frozen film scores, and opera pieces including Nessun Dorma and all the proms anthems, the British Police Symphony Orchestra has a fantastic programme of music in store for this year’s proms goers.

2019’s Lichfield Proms is on Saturday 7 September, when thousands of people will gather in Beacon Park for a spectacular evening of entertainment.

The free entry event, which is set to feature The British Police Symphony Orchestra, the City of Lichfield Concert Band, children’s entertainment and a fireworks finale, is the night to end the summer in style.

The City of Lichfield Concert Band will warm up the crowd from 6pm with its repertoire of show tunes, film themes, pop hits and classical greats.

Then at 7.30pm the British Police Symphony Orchestra will take to the proms stage for the main concert, led by conductor Dr Richard Jenkinson.

The 75-piece orchestra will play a varied programme, including scores from popular films as well as opera pieces and other classics.

Conductor Dr Richard Jenkinson said: “Our line-up has something for everyone, including music from The Greatest Showman and Frozen, side by side with Freddie Mercury’s Barcelona and everyone’s favourite, Nessun Dorma.”

The orchestra will be joined on stage by three classically trained singers, including the soprano Claire Prewer, the tenor Anando Mukerjee and Nick Pilborough.

Councillor Liz Little, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Recycling & Leisure, said: “With its varied musical programme, the British Police Symphony Orchestra promises to take us on a musical journey at this year’s Lichfield Proms. The night will be a brilliant way to end the summer in style.

“Lichfield Proms is of course free entry and everyone is welcome to bring their chairs or picnic blankets to enjoy the outdoor concert. However, for the best seats on the night, you can book a table in front of the stage. Our prime seating sells out fast, so make sure you book soon to avoid disappointment.”

To book your prime seating, call the proms team on 01543 308869 or visit our online booking page and select ‘Lichfield Proms prime seating booking.

Lichfield Proms 2019 in sponsored by: BHB Architects, A Plan Insurance, Strongs Plastic Products, Allen Brown Jewellery, Wilcox Refinishers, Prizm Solutions, Friel Homes, Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Premier Group, Beacon Street Garage, Rotary Club of Lichfield St Chad, Blueprint Designs, The Best of Lichfield, Keelys Solicitors, Grosvenor Shutters, C Residential, Cosmetica and Secret Garden.

Lichfield BID, Lichfield City Council and Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust are also supporting Lichfield Proms through grant funding.

Main concert programme

First half

• Sunrise from Also Sprach Zarathustra – Richard Strauss
• Fledermaus – Johann Strauss
• Batman Suite – Danny Elfman
• The Greatest Showman – Joseph Trapanese and John Debney
Sung by Claire Prewer and Nick Pilborough
• Vesti la giubba from Pagliacci – Ruggero Leoncavallo
Sung by Anando Mukerjee
• Baba Yaga and Great Gate from Pictures at an Exhibition – Modest Mussorgsky

Second half

• Radio Days – David Howles
• Suite from Frozen – Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
• Ebben! Ne andrò lontana from La Wally – Alfredo Catalani
Sung by Claire Prewer
• Nessun Dorma from Turandot – Giacomo Puccini
Sung by Anando Mukerjee
• Barcelona – Freddie Mercury and Mike Moran
Sung by Claire Prewer and Nick Pilborough
• Fantasia on British Sea Songs – Henry Wood
• Rule Britannia – Thomas Arne
Sung by Claire Prewer, Nick Pilborough and Anando Mukerjee
• Jerusalem – Hubert Parry
• Pomp and Circumstance no.1 (Land of Hope and Glory) – Edward Elgar

The sponsors of this year’s Lichfield Proms congregated at Beacon Park on 27 June to officially launch the end of summer event.

2019’s Lichfield Proms is on Saturday 7 September, when thousands of people will gather in Beacon Park for a spectacular evening of entertainment.

Set to feature The British Police Symphony Orchestra, the City of Lichfield Concert Band, children’s entertainment and a fireworks finale, it is the night to end the summer in style.

Lichfield District Council organises the free outdoor concert every year, and is keen to thank all its sponsors and supporters for their contribution.

Councillor Liz Little, Cabinet Member for Recycling & Leisure, said: “Lichfield Proms is such a fantastic way to come together as a community and share a night of music, the beautiful surroundings of Beacon Park, picnics, flag waving and the firework finale. It is one of the highlights of the events calendar and is attended by thousands of people.

“We couldn’t stage Lichfield Proms without the support of local companies, organisations and individuals who sponsor it or support it with a grant. I would like to say a huge thank you to all of you – we are very grateful for your help.”

2019’s Lichfield Proms sponsors are: BHB Architects, A Plan Insurance, Strongs Plastic Products, Allen Brown Jewellery, Wilcox Refinishers, Prizm Solutions, Friel Homes, Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Premier Group, Beacon Street Garage, Rotary Club of Lichfield St Chad, Blueprint Designs, The Best of Lichfield, Keelys Solicitors, Grosvenor Shutters, C Residential, Cosmetica and Secret Garden.

Lichfield BID, Lichfield City Council and Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust are supporting Lichfield Proms through grant funding.

“It’s not too late to sponsor the event, so if you are a small business and would like to support this huge community event, please get in touch with the team,” added Cllr Little.

To find out about sponsorship packages, email proms@lichfielddc.gov.uk or call George Beesley on 01543 308029.

To find out more about Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park, including how to book prime seating at tables in front of the stage, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/lichfieldproms