Scores of people flocked to Darlington's South Park to enjoy an afternoon of music at the popular Proms in the Park.

The event kicked off at 3pm on Sunday with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem and there were plenty of Union Jack flags being waved about proudly in the crowd.

Read more: Darlington woman fined hundreds for breaking Covid rules on gatherings

Music throughout the afternoon was provided by The Royal Signals (Northern) Band, Pipes & Drums 102 Battalion Reme - one of 19 Army Reserve Bands in the UK.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The band is based at the Army Reserve Centre on Neasham Road in Darlington and they delighted their home crowd with their performance.

Other performers on the afternoon included Lee Day and Vince Fountain aka The Soldiers of Swing.

The Sheffield duo found fame after reaching the semi-finals of the 14th series of the popular ITV show Britain’s Got Talent in 2020 and they were a hit with the Proms crowd.

Fellow Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists the Voices of Armed Forces Children's Choir also performed and youngsters from Mowden Junior and Reid Street School Choirs were in fine voice.

The Northern Echo: Soldiers of Swing at Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottSoldiers of Swing at Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The weather played its part, with the crowd enjoying a pleasant, sunny afternoon with only the odd shower leading to the brief popping open of colourful umbrellas across the audience.

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In his programme notes, Alan Charlton, Chairman of the Northern Military Music Group which staged the event with Darlington Borough Council, said the group was delighted to be back at South Park.

He added: "We hope that this year we will be able to raise our spirits during such a challenging time of economic uncertainty and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine."

He also thanked the Proms' main sponsor Modus Subsea Group whose support helps ensure that the event remains free to the public.

A collection was made at the event in aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the national charity of the British Army.

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Darlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah CaldecottDarlington Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park Picture: Sarah Caldecott

The Northern Echo: Proms in the Park 2022 at South Park in Darlington Picture: Sarah CaldecottProms in the Park 2022 at South Park in Darlington Picture: Sarah Caldecott

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