The weather didn’t dampen the spirits of hardy Andoverians at Saturday’s Proms event.
With torrential downpours during the day and again just as the event started at 5.30pm, event organisers were increasingly concerned that it would put people off the outdoor music event in Vigo Park.
However, on-site security counted over 300 individuals who risked further showers, armed with camping chairs, rain coats and umbrellas, many of whom stayed to the lively flag-waving finale.
Worshipful Mayor of Test Valley Mayor Carl Borg-Neal who attended the whole evening gave his thanks to visitors and said, “This is a professionally run event that showcases some of the amazing talent we have in the Test Valley and it’s exactly the sort of event we want in Andover”.
The concert audience was treated to performances from local acts Marie Ponting and Robbie Bowry, Alex Krupa and Chris Berntsen as well as being given a stunning solo performance from 12-year old Lucy Sumner. 16-year old Suzanne Poole gave a breathtaking performance of Ave Maria and an a’capella rendition Hallelujah.
Described as Andover’s coolest middle-aged white men – and Kate, local 12-piece jazz fusion band The Mighty Hump gave a 40-minute funk-ridden performance to a rapturous applause from the audience.
Comments to the event’s Facebook page included, “Very good atmosphere and music” and “really lovely event looking forward to next year”.
The event was financially underwritten by Andover Radio with a grant from Test Valley Borough Council and sponsorship money from businesses like KJM Windows, Active Staff and Oaktree Accountants.
In line with the Andover Vision strategy of being ambitious about the town’s future, David Harber from Andover Radio said, “We will continue to work in partnership with forward looking people and organisations to help fulfil the huge potential in this town.
“Andover Proms is but a small part of a larger move to raise aspirations and achieve great things for Andover”.
