The ultimate summer experience comes to Southport next month when one of the country’s leading classical music orchestras performs an open-air concert in the resort.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will stage its first open-air concert in the North West at Southport’s Victoria Park on Saturday, July 27th with a spectacular finale of fireworks.

The ‘Summer Classics’ gives classical music lovers the unique opportunity to picnic in the park with entertainment from one of the country’s top orchestras.

A massive 51ft wide stage will be constructed and the performance will go ahead with colourful and dramatic, hi-tech lighting effects.

Tony Corfield, head of tourism at Sefton Council, said:- “Just imagine - a lazy, hot summer evening in the tranquil setting of Victoria Park, a spectacular classical music concert and an amazing firework finale. It is going to be absolutely fantastic. This superb event for music loves of all ages has been organized to enhance Southport’s already packed line-up of events and is a real boost for the town. Victoria Park is one of the most relaxing places in Southport and makes an excellent venue for this event.”

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by John Wilson, will perform an evening of popular classics including Rodgers Oklahoma and South Pacific, Sousa Stars and Stripes, Richard Strauss Horn Concerto No. 1, Bizet Danse Boheme from Carmen and Lehar Gold and Silver Waltz.

There will also be a special performance from Angela Barnes (horn), Liverpool Young Musician of the Year, and a spectacular firework finale to the sounds of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture.

The gates are open from 6pm for a picnic in the park before the concert starts at 8pm. Special champagne picnics can be pre-ordered to collect on arrival or classical music lovers can simply take their own. A limited number of canopy sites are also available ( 2 meters by 2 meters) and these also need to be reserved in advance.

Tickets cost £15 for adults, £13 for children between five and 16 and for bookings of 20 people or more £12 each. Tickets are available from the Box Office at the Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP, tel. 0151 709 3789 and Southport Arts Centre, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB, tel. 01704 540011.

For further information on Summer Classics or to obtain a brochure telephone the Southport Events Hotline on 01704 395511 or visit www.visitsouthport.com.

Article by Julia Brough.