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Thousands of people are expected to enjoy a magical evening of music in the grounds of Castle Park, Bangor tomorrow night (Saturday, September 10) at this year's ´óÏó´«Ã½ Proms in the Park.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Proms in the Park in Northern Ireland is in its 10th year and all tickets for the free event have been allocated. This year, with support from North Down Borough Council, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Proms in the Park teams up once again with the Ulster Orchestra on a grand scale to present a night of popular classical and contemporary music.

The event is part of the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s prestigious Last Night of the Proms celebrations as once again Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England host ambitious live events to mark the end of the world's largest classical music festival.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Proms in the Park in the grounds of Castle Park, Bangor, is hosted by ´óÏó´«Ã½ Northern Ireland's Noel Thompson and Claire McCollum.

It will feature performances from renowned musicians and singers from the worlds of classical and contemporary music including popular soprano Lesley Garrett; Belfast-born pianist Barry Douglas; the Ulster Orchestra, under the baton of David Brophy; Australian guitarist Craig Ogden and singer/songwriter Declan O'Rourke.

Ahead of her performance at ´óÏó´«Ã½ Proms in the Park, Lesley Garrett said: "I am very much looking forward to returning to Northern Ireland and Bangor Castle in particular where I have always been made so welcome by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable audience. I can't think of a better way of spending a late summer's evening with wonderful fellow artists and musicians celebrating the end of the Proms."

Multi award-winning pianist Barry Douglas said: "It is a great thrill to perform at the Proms in the Park and I am really looking forward to it."

Audiences at the event can expect to enjoy an evening of everything from Mozart and Debussy to John Williams and Snow Patrol.

Alternatively, if you haven't managed to get tickets for the event then why not tune in and listen to ´óÏó´«Ã½ Proms in the Park as it will be broadcast live on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Ulster from 7.30pm in the company of John Toal.

A selection of options will be available via the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Red Button for television viewers on Digital Satellite and Freeview.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Proms in the Park in the grounds of Castle Park in Bangor will be recorded by ´óÏó´«Ã½ Northern Ireland to be shown on television later in the year.

Concert goers will be able to view sections of the Last Night of the Proms from the Royal Albert Hall throughout the night on a giant video screen in the grounds.

For those using public transport, normal schedule trains will be running to Bangor, with buses to Donaghadee and Newtownards leaving Bangor Station after the concert at 11pm. Anyone travelling to the event by car is being advised to use the main car parks and parking areas in and around the town centre. All motorists in the area should also be aware of possible road closures in the immediate area during the concert.

Peter Johnston, Director ´óÏó´«Ã½ Northern Ireland, said: "Proms in the Park is one of the most significant events the ´óÏó´«Ã½ undertakes each year and we are really looking forward to bringing it for the first time to the grounds of Castle Park in Bangor. Everyone can be assured of a very special evening of great music with a great mix of talented local and international artists."

Mayor of North Down, Councillor James McKerrow, said: "We are thrilled that ´óÏó´«Ã½ Northern Ireland has chosen Castle Park as its venue for the Proms this year. The Park's beautiful grounds, with the backdrop of the Edwardian Bangor Castle building, will make a very special setting for this prestigious event. We anticipate a truly spectacular evening For all who attend I know it will be a most memorable occasion."

CC