First night of The Electric Proms taking centre stage
Circumstance means pomp making way for rock
HINCKLEY’S ever-popular Last Night of the Proms is being replaced this year with an event aimed at showcasing the talents of young, local musicians.
The pomp and circumstance of traditional patriotic tunes will make way for some of the most enduring rock anthems of the past 40 years.
It is a change forced due to the usual student performers, from local school orchestras, being unavailable.
The borough council, which puts on the free show supported by the Friends of Hollycroft Park, has turned instead to husband and wife team Dave and Rachel Carter and their pupils from the JAM music school.
The couple formed JAM 10 years ago and now run weekly lessons at Market Bosworth and The Atkins Building in Hinckley, along with summer rock school activities during school holidays. They also provide term time music lessons in many local schools.
Around 75 youngsters aged between six and 16, who have been taught to play their instruments with JAM, will be putting on the concert, dubbed the Electric Proms.
Being held in Hollycroft Park on Saturday September 10 from 6pm to 8pm, the show will feature such high octane classics as Layla by Derek and The Dominoes, Alright Now by Free, Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin, Don’t Look Back in Anger by Oasis and Sunshine of Your Love by Cream.
Councillor Jan Kirby (Con, Hinckley De Montfort), Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s arts champion, said: “It’s disappointing that the traditional proms event can’t be held this year but the Electric Proms will be a wonderful opportunity for youngsters to show off their talents.”
Last Night of the Proms was postponed from its usual June date last year due to torrential downpours on the day. After uncertainty surrounding its fate it was restaged successfully in September.
For more information about the concert call Lindsay Orton, strategic arts and mental health officer, on Hinckley 255805. For more information about the JAM Music School email jam@jammusicschools. co.uk or call Hinckley 841696.