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Prescot Festival Records Biggest Audience Ever

By on Wednesday, July 3, 2019

The Prescot Festival of Music & the Arts has seen its biggest audience numbers in the 14 years since it was founded.

More than 1,700 people attended concerts and other events in the 10-day celebration of arts, music, culture and entertainment.

The last night in particular saw an increase of 100 people on last year, with 325 in the historic church of St Mary the Blessed Virgin for a jubilant finale featuring Maghull Wind Orchestra. Soprano Danielle Louise Thomas, known affectionately as the ‘Voice of Liverpool,’ made a guest appearance in the evening concert on Sunday 30 June. The singer shot to fame as a teenager on BBC1’s Songs of Praise.

‘We had queues round the block for a spectacular evening,’ said artistic director Dr Robert Howard, ‘and as always, the crowds were jubilant and enthusiastic, singing along and waving their flags to a medley of rousing patriotic songs, in the traditional “Proms” style.’

The stirring occasion concluded a programme that featured something for everyone, including an opening night with the Band & Drums of the Cheshire Constabulary, a first-time festival appearance from the world-renowned Liverpool Cathedral Choir and a return visit from big band Dr Jazz & the Cheshire Cats.

A celebration of community music-making, the week also included the first ever Primary Schools’ Choir Festival and the already-established Young Instrumentalists of Prescot, a showcase for musical talent held in memory of the late local priest and businessman the Reverend David Rose.

Robert continued: ‘Every year it’s quite a challenge to top the formidable quality of the previous year, but thanks to our excellent performers, generous sponsors, hard-working volunteers and appreciative audiences, the festival has gone on from strength to strength.’

The 16th Annual Prescot Festival of Music & the Arts is already penned in for Friday 19 to Sunday 28 June 2020. Keep up-to-date with it and other, year-round concerts and events at www.prescotfestival.co.uk.

Photos: Dr Jazz & the Cheshire Cats (Stephen Birch), Band & Drums of the Cheshire Constabulary (Alan Humphreys Photography), James Luxton conducts Prescot Festival Chorus (Alan Humphreys Photography)

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