Proms in the Park to mark special Second World War anniversaries

Darlington’s popular musical celebration Proms in the Park will include a special tribute this year to mark the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE Day 8 May) and Victory in Japan (VJ Day 15 August).

The annual event which takes place at South Park bandstand, has been made possible this year with the kind sponsorship of Freeman Johnson Solicitors.

Proms in the Park regularly attracts around 2,000 music lovers of all ages to enjoy a packed programme of music for all tastes, led by The Royal Signals (Northern) Band, our very own Army Reserve band based in Darlington.

The fun starts at 3pm on Sunday 6 July, with revellers encouraged to bring along their own picnic, rugs or chairs and, of course, flags to wave.

Organised by Darlington Borough Council and the Northern Military Music Group, the event has also raised more than £10,000 for The Army Benevolent Fund over the years through generous donations from those who attend.

Taking to the stage with Director of Music Captain Tom Milford and The Royal Signals (Northern) Band, will be the Tyne Electrical Engineers Pipe Band, the Darlington Schools Choir and the Service Children’s Community Choir.

There will also be a rousing ‘Last night of the Proms’ set, which has become a firm tradition to round off the afternoon’s entertainment.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Alastair ‘Smudge’ Smith, Permanent Staff Warrant Office of the band, said: “Proms in the Park is a real highlight in the band’s calendar and we’re delighted to once again be able to perform on our home turf. It’s all the more special this year as we mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day and honour the sacrifices and courage of the generation who fought and lived through the war.

“We hope to welcome as many people as possible, young and old, to sing along and join in the fun.”

Sarah Hall, Partner at Freeman Johnson Solicitors, said: “Freeman Johnson Solicitors has provided legal services in Darlington for more than 100 years and is very much a part of the local community. We are therefore delighted to be able to support this great community event, which brings people together for what promises to be a great afternoon of music and entertainment.”

Lieutenant Colonel Barney Barnbrook, regional director of The Army Benevolent Fund, said: “Proms in the Park combines great music and a great atmosphere, making it a fantastic afternoon for the community to come together. And we’re incredibly grateful to all those who take part, both as performers and spectators, and help raise money for such a good cause.”

Proms in the Park starts at 3pm at South Park bandstand on Sunday 6 July. No tickets are needed but do get their early to secure your spot and bring along your chairs, picnics and your flags to wave and join in the fun.

A collection will again be held in support of The Army Benevolent Fund, with the help of Churchill and Hummersknott Detachments, Durham Army Cadet Force.

For more details of forthcoming events in Darlington log onto the website at www.darlington.gov.uk/events.