Ref.10256SENSATIONAL music, flames, fireworks and flag-waving crowds filled the grounds of Lacock Abbey on Saturday night for the Lacock Proms.

More than 4,500 people attended the Gazette-sponsored event with many taking advantage of the balmy temperature to enjoy picnics.

And thanks to a new road system, last year's parking fiasco was forgotten, with every car leaving the event in just 38 minutes.

Mark Harrison, event organiser and managing director of TFE Concerts Ltd, the team behind the show, said: "We had a capacity crowd, the weather was wonderful, the atmosphere was fabulous and everyone had a relaxing evening, listening to some extraordinary music it couldn't have been better."

Mr Harrison had promised this year's event would be bigger and better than last year's inaugral event and he was right.

The brainchild of renowned conductor Michael Reed and musician Petronella Dittmer, who lives at the abbey, the crowd enjoyed a spectacular musical programme courtesy of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, soprano Janet Mooney, and tenor Edward Hands. Conducted again by Michael Reed, who is renowned for his work with Andrew Lloyd Webber and has recently returned from staging a musical on Broadway, there were stirring renditions of Jewel Song by Faust, Madame Butterfly and Nessun Dorma by Puccini.

And as well as classical pieces, there were flag-waving favourites too, such as Jerusalem and Rule Britannia.

Last year's spectacular fireworks were also bettered this year, thanks to Pyrovision, the company behind the fireworks at the Queen's Jubilee.

Using a staggering three tonnes of pyrotechnics double the amount of last year rockets boomed and coloured trails lit the sky in time with the music.

The positioning of the stage at this year's proms was also changed, with the orchestra seated alongside the river, to give an optimum view of the atmospherically-lit abbey.

And the napalm flames which proved so popular with the crowd last year were also much bigger, sending shooting flames into the air, in time to the music.

"It all went off wonderfully," said Mr Harrison.

"Obviously there was a great deal of work backstage, but looking out on the crowds, seeing them relaxed and listening to the music, it was plain to see that it was a huge success."

Mr Harrison revealed that planning is now underway for Lacock Proms 2004 and the goal is to make it even more of a treat.

"We are hoping to have a massive choir next year, with around 100 choristers, who will enable us to offer an even more fantastic musical repertoire," he said.

Any semi-professional choir wishing to take part should ring Mr Harrison at TFE Concerts Ltd on (01234) 269099.