Hundreds enjoy 'Pennine Proms'

Photo: John Cannell

Freda Farnworth on stage at the Pennine Proms at Soccer Village.

Around 300 people were at the Soccer Village in Milnrow on Friday night for a local proms evening.

Hosted by Roch Valley Radio and the NSPCC Littleborough District, seven acts took to the stage to keep the crowds entertained.

Many people enjoyed their own picnics to the event while they enjoyed the compere, local comedian Dudley Doolittle, who introduced the acts.

The evening started with “Junior Blast” a band formed from the local primary schools. There were so many performers, some on stage for the first time, that an extension had to be built to the stage.

They were then followed by “Big Shot Swing Orchestra” which features top class players from several senior bands around Lancashire and Yorkshire. Their very polished performance was enhanced by the appearance of Mayor Keith Swift, complete with Mayoral Chain, to sing a Rat Pack number.

A great favourite, Local Soprano Freda Farnworth, entertained, before the massed ranks of the Saddleworth Male Voice Choir completed the first half of the programme.

During the interval the Mayor and Mayoress drew the raffle which was very well supported.

All profits from the event were pledged 50% to the NSPCC and 50% to Roch Valley Radio who are a registered charity in their own right.

As the night got colder after the interval, Anderson Brass warmed the audience ready for the star turn, Martin Toal, whose pure tenor’s voice cut through the evening air.

Martin and his orchestra had the audience singing with him. He was then joined on stage by Freda Farnworth, Anderson Brass and Saddleworth Male Voice Choir for the traditional finale of Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia accompanied by a Grand Firework display.

After a successful evening's entertainment, the organisers are hoping that the event will go ahead again next year.