News and Reviews

News: Darley Park Smiles Through
Sunday 2nd September 2007
Darley Park, Derby

As the day of the biggest free classical concert of its kind in Britain dawned, there was inevitable concern about the weather. So many other outdoor summer events around the country had suffered in recent months at the hands of the wind and rain that it was always going to be possible for the rain to put in an appearance.

Well, it rained. At times it poured down, but the crowds turned out anyway!

Every age and musical interest seemed to be represented among the audience in the park. Throngs of picnicers, ever resourceful, came prepared with waterproof sheets and suitable clothing. A forest of overlapping multicoloured umbrellas turned the hillside into a rainbow. It was wet, though thankfully not cold, and though the sun may not have shone, the music provided all the brightness that was needed. James Holmes, conducting, kept spirits high with his introductions and asides throughout. Simon Thorpe's vocal talent set people dancing with the homage to recently-promoted Derby County, and the appearance towards the end of the evening by Antonio Fargas singing Minnie the Moocher got a sensational reception. The players of sinfonia ViVA were magnificent too, not just in their performance, but in their 'bring it on' approach to the adverse weather. The RAF pulled out all the stops to be present in the skies above. The fireworks that ended the concert were as bright and gasp-inducing as ever.

Sooner or later in its proud history, the Darley Park Concert was going to be rain-affected. The most recent near-miss came only last year when the evening itself was dry, but the deeply furrowed ground testified to the days of rain that had preceded it. This year's event showed that nothing - not even a damp squib of a summer - can quench the spirit of Darley Park.

This concert was supported by Rolls-Royce plc, Derby City Council and RAM FM

A message from Derby City Council -

"Did you go to this year's Darley Park Concert? Have you dried out yet?! We want to know what you thought of the event. Please take a moment to complete our response form (external link) so we can make next year's event even better. Thanks."

Images from the concert...