CityLife

Must see: BBC Proms In The Park 2010

John Barrowman

Buile Hill Park, Salford - September 11, 2010

Watch the annual BBC Proms on the box and though the stirring sing-alongs and united flag- waving is enough to get thousands of hearts fluttering, nothing quite replaces the heart-stopping sensation of being part of the crowd.

Which is why the arrival of the Proms in Salford back in 2008 was great news for the city, and why last year it attracted 8,000 people to Buile Hill Park to see  Chris de Burgh team up with the BBC Philharmonic.

So successful an annual event has it been, in fact, that this year the Proms return to Buile Hill for one of only four Last Night concerts outside the capital, bringing with it star of stage and screen John Barrowman, pictured, for a late night spectacular tomorrow.

Salford Council estimates that last year’s show brought a £360,000 financial boost to the area, and they’ll be hoping the return of the BBC Phil will be equally successful – especially since the orchestra is set to relocate to Salford’s MediaCityUK next year.

Musicals star Barrowman tops the bill, but a whole host of performers are set to take the stage, and gig goers are invited to take along picnics, flags and comfy seating to make the most of this huge outdoor event.

Such is the togetherness of the occasion in celebrating cultural talent here in Britain that everyone will find something they love about the Proms.

Be it the classical setlist of Beethoven, Stravinsky and Berlioz or newer work by modern composers and unusual performances thrown in to keep the concerts unique, its music that touches everybody stirringly performed by some of the most talented musicians in the country.

Again, around 8,000 are expected to head down to the park tomorrow. But if you’re not able to go along, you can still show your support by watching the whole event on the BBC via the red button.

£20 (£13.50 for Salford residents, subject to availability).