I dreamed a dream... of Teesside proms

Aug 14 2007 by Helen Logan, Evening Gazette

WELCOME to our comment column, in which leading figures from the region present a thought-provoking view on an issue affecting their company or organisation or the wider community. Today it’s the turn of Suzannah Clarke, who chairs the BBC Tees Valley Proms in the Park Steering Committee.

YEARS ago I dreamt of bringing the BBC Proms in the Park to Tees Valley but at the time I didn’t have the support and contacts to make it happen.

I wanted to see the area recognised and respected on a national basis for something that represented excellence and to show that we have a bit of class ‘up north’!

After several years spent persuading the powers-that-be that we could create and manage an event of this size and status and gaining the support of the local business community and the local authorities and MPs in Tees Valley, I am tremendously proud that my hometown of Middlesbrough is finally hosting a major classical event of such international stature. BBC’s Last Night of the Proms will see up to 7,000 people picnicking under the stars while enjoying a variety of first-class entertainment.

BBC Tees Valley’s Proms in the Park, which is being sponsored by NS&I, is taking place on the September 8 in the new Middlesbrough Centre Square, against the backdrop of the modern and sleek mima art gallery, which is instantly recognisable for the television link-up to simultaneous Proms in the Park events in London, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It promises to bring family entertainment and fun in abundance and there is something for everyone of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. There will be street entertainment, food and drink and all sorts of styles of music with lots of tunes that the audience can join in with as well as a stunning fireworks finale. It’s great value for money and under 12s tickets are free in a bid to encourage the whole family to come along.

I really wanted to see a wide range of home-grown artists up there on an international stage and the impressive line-up includes the very best of local talent including Northern Sinfonia and The Wildcats of Kilkenny - one of the region’s most popular live bands.

I hope that the people of Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley area will get behind this prestigious event, which has been organised with them in mind, to bring an atmosphere of fun that we can project to the nation.

BBC Tees Valley Proms in the Park is not just a concert; it is part of the rejuvenation of the whole area. We’re standing up and making our voices heard at last.