Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 24 May 2023

HINCKLEY’S award-winning Hollycroft Park is to come alive with the sound of music when the free Proms in the Park concert returns in less than three weeks’ time.

The much-loved and free-to-attend open air concert, organised by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and Hinckley Round Table, will be held on Saturday, 10 June, with gates opening at 5pm, music starting at 6pm, and finishing at 8.30pm.

It will feature performances from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s Wind Orchestra – an ensemble made up of more than 50 talented young musicians.

They will be performing ‘a feast’ of well-known music under the baton of acclaimed conductor David Gordon-Shute – such as scores from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, “Lord of the Rings”, “Saving Private Ryan”, and even an ‘epic’ arrangement of Peter Graham’s score from German sci-fi film “Metropolis”, which was released in 1927.

In addition, some British favourites will be played, including scores from William Walton, Malcolm Arnold, and Henry Wood. And, Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1” will ensure that the concert ends in true flag-waving style.

The event has proved a hit with park-goers and visitors over the past few years. Last year, it was estimated that ‘several thousand’ attendees had shown up.

And, when the event had already started, hundreds more park-goers were lining up at the entrance to the already-full park, so that they didn’t miss out on hearing it live.

Local gin distillery, Bond Street Distillery will provide an outdoor bar for adult visitors to enjoy, and stalls will sell tea, coffee, and ice cream. The Round Table themselves are to hold a raffle to help fundraise for local good causes.

“This year’s Proms in the Park comes swiftly after the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, and I am sure that this event will be another great opportunity to celebrate this momentous occasion in the country’s history”, said Council Leader Stuart Bray.

“We welcome David Gordon-Shute and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Wind Orchestra and look forward to a fun-filled evening. Bring your deck chairs and picnics or enjoy an ice cream or drink from one of the refreshment stalls and settle down to enjoy the great musical talent, the singing and the flag waving in our award winning park”, he concluded.

Stewart Warden, of Hinckley Round Table, said: “We are delighted to be working with the borough council on this event.

“We are best known for our Santa Sleigh in December, but the rest of the year we are having fun and raising more money for local charities and causes.

“This free concert is great for the local community and Hinckley Round Table is proud to be part of that community.”

Union flags made from sustainable forestry, which are 100 per cent recyclable, will be handed out to attendees, which they can take home after the event. But, those who wish to return those flags can do so by handing them back to staff upon leaving.

To coincide with the start of the Great Big Green Week on 10 June, limited copies of the musical programme have been printed. That is why it will be available from the council’s website to download and read on mobile devices on the day of the event.

A council spokesperson added: “No booking is necessary. Everyone is welcome, but there is a limited capacity within the main auditorium area. Well-behaved dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead. Visitors are asked to please take all rubbish home.