Night of music

Talented young performers from St Mary’s College were the stars of a spectacular ‘Last Night of the Proms’ music and fireworks extravaganza.

Now in its sixth year, the event showcased the musical skills of around 250 students from the college and its preparatory school, The Mount, and was conducted by director of music, Andrew Byers.

One of the highlights of the night was a special guest appearance by international soprano Rachael Russell, a former pupil of the college.

There were also performances by the choirs from two other local schools – Great Crosby Primary School and English Martyrs Catholic Primary School in Litherland.

The compere for the concert was popular BBC Radio Merseyside presenter, Roger Phillips who introduced all the old favourites from the famous Last Night of the Proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

These included Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 (Land of Hope and Glory), Jerusalem, the Fantasia on British Sea Songs written by Proms founder Henry Wood and, of course, Rule Britannia.

Earlier in the evening, audience members arrived at Blundell Park early to enjoy a picnic in the open air before settling down to the musical entertainment, often accompanied by some frantic flag waving.

St Mary’s College principal, Mike Kennedy, said: “Our Proms in the Park concert is one of the most ambitious events organised by any Merseyside school.

“Despite very mixed weather in the run-up to the event the sun shone on the night, which helped to make this year’s concert another outstanding success.

“I would like to thank all the performers and audience members for supporting the event and making it another evening to remember. The concert was a wonderful way to highlight the musical prowess of our students”.