A proposal for the annual Proms in the Park concert to return to Alton next year has been unanimously approved by Alton Town Council.

For six years it was held at The Shed in Bordon but the Alton Concert Band has expressed an interest in performing at a Proms in the Park event in the Public Gardens at 6.30pm on July 10, 2027.

The band’s current chairman Tony Willman and its new chairman designate Rachel Boardman attended the council’s meeting on July 8 to state their case.

Mr Willman said: “It would be a pleasure and a privilege and would raise the profile of the band. We are already rehearsing for a 2027 event.

“The icing on the cake would be to get the Alton Concert Band and the Alton Concert Orchestra on board in the future, and I think this is in hand.”

Cllr Matthew Bayliss said he understood that one reason Proms in the Park moved to Bordon was the lack of a sufficiently high standard of sound system in Alton to deal with the complexities of the larger orchestra.

Councillors approved an amendment proposed by Alton town mayor Cllr Barbara Tansey, and seconded by Cllr Matthew Kellermann, to also involve the Alton Concert Orchestra in 2028, by which time it was hoped that a better sound system would be in place.

Cllr Tansey said: “This seems like a perfect opportunity to reinstate Proms in the Park.

“The Alton Concert Orchestra are very keen to be involved in a future event, working collaboratively with the Alton Concert Band.”

The council agreed to meet the cost, which could be around £5,000, of the band, amplification, toilet hire, programmes and staff.

As in previous years the concert will follow the traditional Last Night of the Proms style, with popular classics followed by a flag-waving singalong finale.