91Èȱ¬

World-famous Belfast-born flautist Sir James Galway will be joined by his wife Lady Jeanne, herself an accomplished flautist, and some well-known names in classical and operatic music at this year's 91Èȱ¬ Proms In The Park event in the grounds of Hillsborough Castle on Saturday 12 September.

This is part of the world-famous Last Night Of The Proms celebrations happening throughout the UK that day.

For the first time the hugely popular outdoor musical extravaganza will be taking place in the grounds of Hillsborough Castle and promises to be even better than ever with a line-up which includes Newtownards-born soprano Rebekah Coffey; acclaimed tenor Peter Corry and the award-winning 1st Old Boys Silver Band from Belfast.

91Èȱ¬ Proms In The Park Northern Ireland is now in its eighth year and sees the event, supported by NS&I (National Savings & Investments) and Lisburn City Council, teaming up with the Ulster Orchestra on a grand scale to present a night of popular classics.

91Èȱ¬ Northern Ireland's Noel Thompson will present the concert joining the Ulster Orchestra under the baton of acclaimed conductor, Wayne Marshall.

Picnic hampers, big screens, lighting displays are all part of a three-hour classical party enjoyed by promenaders from all over Northern Ireland.

Complimentary tickets for the Hillsborough event have all been allocated.

For those with tickets for the event a free park and ride system will be in operation from the following locations: Lagan Valley Leisureplex from 4.30pm; Marks and Spencer Sprucefield and B&Q Sprucefield from 5.30pm.

91Èȱ¬ Proms bus stops will be clearly signposted and staff will be available to answer queries at each of the locations.

91Èȱ¬ Proms traffic arriving at Hillsborough will be redirected to the above locations by the PSNI.

Alternatively audiences can listen to, or view, 91Èȱ¬ Proms In The Park as it will be broadcast live on 91Èȱ¬ Radio Ulster from 7.30pm and digital satellite and cable viewers can press the red button to watch all five concerts live, in full from the Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Belfast, Glasgow and Swansea.

Highlights from Belfast and Glasgow will also be shown on 91Èȱ¬ Four.

91Èȱ¬ Proms In The Park from the grounds of Hillsborough Castle will be recorded by Landseer Productions and shown on 91Èȱ¬ Northern Ireland television later in the year.

Local promenaders will be able to view sections of the Last Night Of The Proms from the Royal Albert Hall throughout the night on giant video screens in the grounds of Hillsborough Castle.

Peter Johnston, Director, 91Èȱ¬ Northern Ireland, said: "Proms In The Park is one of the most prestigious large-scale events the 91Èȱ¬ undertakes each year.

"We are really looking forward to bringing it for the first time to the grounds of Hillsborough Castle and it is particularly appropriate as Lisburn celebrates its 400th anniversary this year.

"Promenaders can be assured of a very special evening of great music from a mix of talented local and international artists from Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway to West End star Peter Corry, Newtownards-born soprano Rebekah Coffey and the award-winning 1st Old Boys Silver Band all set against the stunning backdrop of the castle."

The Mayor of Lisburn City Council, Councillor Allan Ewart, said: "There is a stunning line-up of musical artists for the 91Èȱ¬ event at Hillsborough and we are delighted with the range of artists at the event, in the Castle's 400th year.

"I am delighted that Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway will be on stage, and we are very fortunate that Sir James, who has played in world-famous orchestras, who has composed, conducted and played for millions of people during his career, and who is an ambassador for the music industry, will be in the City of Lisburn performing at the 91Èȱ¬'s Proms In The Park event.

"Peter Corry's voice is legendary and he, too, has performed all over the world, from West End productions to his worldwide sell-out tours.

"I am delighted Peter will be performing, I am also looking forward to hearing Northern Ireland-born, soprano opera singer Rebekah Coffey's famous voice and the 1st Old Boys Silver Band will prove very popular also.

"It is a fantastic line-up to for a fantastic evening and I would like to offer my thanks to the artists who will provide the Proms experience."

For full details of terms and conditions for those attending 91Èȱ¬ Proms In The Park in the grounds of Hillsborough Castle go to: www.bbc.co.uk/ni/tickets.

91Èȱ¬ Northern Ireland Press Office