FLAG waving music lovers burst into patriotic song at the climax of the North-East's own version of the Last Night of the Proms at the weekend.

The Northern Proms attracted more than 2,700 people to the Riverside County Cricket Ground, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, for a spectacular event, with world-class operatic entertainment.

Top of the bill were compere Graeme Danby and fellow soloists Valerie Reid and Bethany Halliday.

The event, part sponsored by The Northern Echo, began with Felling Male Voice Choir setting the tone. Its medley included The Gospel Train, Copland's Ching-a-Ring Chaw, Nessum Dorma and Keep Your Feet Still Geordie Hinnie.

The Will Todd Jazz Trio Up then provided perfect backing for those enjoying picnics.

There was complete cross section of the community, from those in dinner jackets and evening dresses - with perfectly set tables complete with candelabras - to families spread out on rugs.

And everywhere there were people with Union Jacks - in hats, flags, bow ties, waistcoats, dyed hair and tablecloths.

Providing musical backing for the remainder of the evening was the Chester-le-Street Brass Band whose musicians played everything from the classics to Geordie ballads with equal aplomb.

Flugal horn soloist Fiona Wallace provided one of the highlights of the evening, while Graeme Danby had the audience entranced at the close with renditions of Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and I Vow to Thee my Country.

It all ended with Pomp and Circumstance with the words Land of Hope and Glory ringing out as fireworks lit up the sky.

Cricket club commercial manager Gordon Hollins said: "It has been an extraordinary event. There were 30 per cent more people than last year. We have already pencilled in July 30 for next year's proms event."

Published: 02/08/2004