ALTON’S 10th annual Last Night of the Proms concert will grace the Public Gardens next weekend.

Run by Alton Town Council in partnership with Alton Concert Orchestra, the programme on Saturday, July 9, will range from spicy salsa to Jamaican rumba, concluding as always with traditional British favourites.

The proms will feature the Alton Concert Orchestra, led by chairman Chris Leggett and conducted by David Budd and Chris Gardner; the Holybourne Singers, conducted by Rebekah Abbott, with guest soprano Alison Lewis, and local guitarist Daryle Kellie, who will be performing Gran Vals and A Felicidade.

The proms start at 7.30pm and concertgoers should bring blankets, deck chairs and picnic hampers..

While entry to Proms in the Park is free, the aim is for the event to become self-funding, with the introduction this year of ‘Proms Patrons’, including platinum supporters Deputy Lieutenant Michael Campbell from the Ellis Campbell Group, Specsavers Opticians in Alton High Street, and The Chocolate Frog Company at Oakhanger. There will also be a retiring collection in aid of the event.

The Public Gardens will remain closed from 10pm on Friday, July 8, until 6pm on Saturday, July 9, to allow for setting-up, rehearsals and sound checks.