OFFERING world-class music in captivating surroundings and fireworks fit for a queen, this weekend's Lacock Proms, sponsored by the Gazette and Herald, is going to be even bigger and better than before, says the man behind the show.

"Work is now well underway to set the stage for Lacock Proms 2003," explained Martin Harrison, event organiser and managing director of TFE, the company behind the Proms.

"The trackway for bringing in the equipment is in place and over the next few days, we will be erecting the stage and getting everything ready to make this year's event a night to remember."

Eager not to give all his surprises away, Mr Harrison did however, reveal that last year's spectacular finale fireworks would be double the treat.

"We have increased our pyrotechnics from one-and-a-half tonnes to three tonnes," he explained. And the company doing the display, Pyrovision, are the company responsible for the dazzling display at the Queen's jubilee celebrations."

Mr Harrison also revealed that the positioning of the stage at this year's Proms will be alongside the river, to give an optimum view of the specially-lit abbey.

"Last year, the abbey was partially obliterated by the stage, so this year, we decided to make more of it as a backdrop," he explained.

"Visitors might also like to know that the napalm flames which were used as unique accompaniments to some of the music will also feature this year only they will be much bigger," he added.

"And spectators, many of whom are expected to come along in Black Tie, will also be able to enjoy a Pimms and champagne bar."

The brainchild of renowned conductor Michael Reed and musician Petronella Dittmer, who lives at the abbey, Lacock Proms' inaugural show last year featured an an evening of classics including Gershwin's Summertime from Porgy and Bess and Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter.

"Our debut concert at the abbey last year was a great success, with a fantastic audience," said Mr Harrison. "In fact, the support for the event across the area has been terrific. This year the weather forecast is good, we've got plenty of treats in store and we fully plan to make it as enjoyable as we can for everyone."

This year's musical programme promises to be more spectacular than ever, thanks to The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a new soprano, Janet Mooney, and new tenor, Edward Hands.

"The orchestra will be playing popular classics to delight the crowd," explained Mr Harrison, "and I think they'll find our soloists absolutely stunning.

"The concert will also feature classical pieces by the world's most famous composers along with Proms favourites and a few special surprises."

Conducted again by Michael Reed, who is renowned for his work with Andrew Lloyd Webber, has recently returned from staging a musical on Broadway. The wide range of music to be performed at the Proms includes Jewel Song by Faust, Madame Butterfly and Nessun Dorma by Puccini.

The gates open at 6pm, so early arrivals can enjoy a picnic.

The event itself starts at 8pm and finishes at approximately 10.30pm or 10.45pm, depending on the time of the spectacular finale.

There will also be a 30-minute interval so that visitors can enjoy the grounds.

Promise of a smooth ride for party-goers

EVENT organisers are confident that getting to and from this year's Proms will be trouble free for visitors, thanks to radical changes to the parking plans.

To prevent last year's problems, where thousands of concert-goers were forced to wait in a field for more than an hour when sheer volume of numbers caused gridlock, a one-way system is to be put in place to direct pedestrians and motorists to and from the event as efficiently as possible.

TFE operations manager Clare Ely said: "Last year, we had problems as there were a mixture of people and cars all trying to exit the event at the same time.

"This year, however, with the help of the National Trust, we are setting up a much more affective entrance and exit system, offering separate access for cars and pedestrians."

A new gate has been fitted on the Abbey parking field, complete with a new pedestrian access route.

The field itself will also be divided along its middle and split to accommodate cars coming from either an easterly direction or from Chippenham and Melksham.

Visitors coming from the A342 will approach via Bowden Hill, over the River Avon bridge and through the left side of the doubled-gated parking field.

Those from the A350 direction should follow the brown signs into the National Trust car park in the village.