BSO Proms in the Park – Review
Yesterday we attended our very first Proms in the Park with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO).
Eliza and Isaac both attended the BSO KS2 Schools’ Concerts earlier this year, where they not only got to listen to the fantastic orchestra, but also got to perform with them by learning a special body percussion routine which they really enjoyed.
Held at Meyrick Park in central Bournemouth, the BSO is running three events this week, with ours being the relaxed Family Afternoon.
We were treated by performances from three BSO ensembles, including BSO Resound, made up of disabled musicians, the youth orchestra, with whom we got to try out using our bodies as percussion, the symphony orchestra themselves and a stop-animation film of Peter and the Wolf.
It was a lovely afternoon, sat in the sun with a picnic and we unexpectedly bumped into friends and the kids headed off to play, making up dance routines with our poi’s to the music they were listening to.
Friday evening (2nd August) sees the BSO performing Galactic Classics to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing, featuring classical music about space, accompanied by choreographed lasers, lights, fireworks and the latest images from our solar system.
On the last night, Saturday August 3, the BSO Proms in the Park weekend finishes with a night of nostalgia with the orchestra’s Symphonic 80s Spectacular, with hits from the decade including Sweet Dreams by The Eurythmics, Elton John’s I’m Still Standing and other classic numbers from A-ha, David Bowie, Madonna and Ultravox. To top off the evening, it will finish with the stunning ‘son et lumiere’ laser, lights and pyrotechnics with its own 80s twist.
Tickets cost £18 for children and £30 for adults. Find out more at: bsolive.com/
TOP TIPS:
1. Take camping chairs as well as a picnic blanket as you will be sitting for a good couple of hours
2. Take a picnic and drinks for the kids
3. Alcoholic drinks are available to buy, but take your own and save some money
4. Take something for the kids to do. We were very popular with our bubble wands and poi’s – just be respectful of other audience members and play at the side – there is plenty of room in the park.
5. Facilities are available in the form of portaloo style toilets. Take some toilet roll with you, just in case!
Have you been to Proms in the Park before?
Valerie
I haven’t been but it sounds like fun. Could you bring something for shade if it was super sunny? It’s great that everyone can have family fun together with music in the background.
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too
This sounds like a wonderful way to introduce the children to the different styles of music
Sarah Bailey
I remember going to this sort of thing when I was younger, I always used to love the fireworks at the end they held. These are some great tips, you do sit for a long time and I found it could get cold near the end so always worth an extra layer as well.
Michael Johnson
This is full of fun and enjoyment with children. Great experience you share.
Thanks for it…
Jenni
I’ve not been to a proms in the park before but it looks great! Like that you can take you own food and drinks to safe money
Rhian westbury
Camping chairs are a must as they make things so much more comfy. Looks like you had lovely weather for it x
fashionandstylepolice
We have never before but looks like fun. Great tips you have shared. Drinks and snacks always come in handy.
Kira
We’ve never been but it looks brilliant! Think I’ll add this to our list 🙂
Mandi
Sounds like a great event, and perfect for introducing children to different types of music, how lovely that they also work with the schools to get the children interested from a young age.
Laura
Sounds like a wonderful event to go to, and a fantastic way to introduce children to different styles of music.
Rebecca Smith
Proms in the Park definitely sounds great fun. I think my kids would love it.
Tracey Kifford
Definitely take camping chairs as you say … the ground gets very uncomfortable after 5 minutes!
Stephanie Merry
I’ve been to my local BBC proms in the park before and it’s such a great family day out – we always ake our own camping chairs and picnic with us x
Jennifer
This sounds like so much fun! Great tip about the camping chairs!
Anosa
Not heard of BSO proms before but sounds like a nice place to take the kids