Sun sets on Proms of 2021

GOOD-HUMOURED patriotism, flags and fanfare were on show for a day of music and merriment to celebrate the Last Night of the Proms.

The Guernsey Symphonic Wind Band performance is shown on the big screen at the KGV which later showed the second half of the Last Night of the Proms from the Royal Albert Hall. (Pictures by Peter Frankland, 29978184)

For the second year running the KGV played host to the free Proms on the Wicket, headlined locally by the Guernsey Symphonic Winds and Jazz Band.

After 9pm on Saturday the big screen broadcast live the concert from the Albert Hall, with favourites such as Land of Hope and Glory, Jerusalem, and Rule Britannia.

The iconic part of British culture is one of the highest-profile concerts in existence, and it aims to remove the pricey stigma around classical performances.

The woodwind section of the Guernsey Symphonic Wind Band, including Natalie Davidson, centre who organised the event. (29978178)

Instead of tiaras, monocles and champagne, people sit on fold-up chairs on the grass and drink beer and eat burgers.

Visitor Susan Mockler, from Malmesbury, in Wiltshire, summed up the appeal.

‘The rousing music, Land of Hope and Glory, the feeling that everyone is coming together, it’s the community feeling, it feels extra special to be here in Guernsey.’

Husband Terry said it was a much-loved event.

‘It’s archetypically English, although I’m not sure if I can say that in Guernsey. It’s a lot of fun, it’s traditional, and we’ve got friends all the round the world who tune into Last Night of the Proms.’

University of the Third Age visitors from the UK enjoyed the music and the setting. (29978182)

Alan Chubb was at the Guernsey U3A (University of the Third Age) stand.

He enjoyed the relaxed vibe and the patriotic songs.

‘For me it’s one of the big events of the year, I like the Sailor’s Hornpipe, I like the nautical stuff and everyone bobs up and down, anything that’s patriotic I like, I’m afraid I’m old-fashioned like that.’

The principal sponsor was Aspida Advisory Services, with other support from the Guernsey Press, Guernsey Arts, Specsavers and Utmost.

Ben Davidson, 13, had an important job.

‘I’m going round with a bucket of hats and flags that people can have in exchange for a small donation towards Proms on the Wicket.

‘I really like all the songs from Hairspray.’

Ben Davidson, 13 was selling hats and flags. (29978180)

Organiser Natalie Davidson said the aim was to make classical music more accessible.

‘That’s the whole ethos of the Proms, the music is nothing too weird and wonderful, it’s all stuff that people will know.

‘We showed the film Mary Poppins Returns on the big screen this afternoon, and we’re playing some of that music, we’ve also got music from Chicago and Oklahoma.

‘Some of the people that come here might not go to St James, but this hopefully will make them more interested.’