Shropshire Star

Newport's Proms and Prosecco festival to fizz back

Newport's newest festival has been hailed a major success, with planning already underway for a repeat event next year.

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Proms and Prosecco at Newport’s Chetwynd Deer Park

The organisers behind Fizz Festivals said that Proms and Prosecco, which took place last Saturday at Newport’s Chetwynd Deer Park and attracted more the 1,600 people, was just the beginning.

Prom-goers were treated to a programme ranging from the pop and rock inspired tunes of Telford-born singer-songwriter Alexandra Jayne, to the grand finale of classical prom favourites Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory led by acclaimed soprano Emily Haig.

The audience was also able to watch performances from the Cosford Military Wives Choir, the orchestral offerings of the Prima Wind Quintet, the Camerata of London Chamber Orchestra, the Amadeus Brass Quintet and tenor Jack Foley.

Proms and Prosecco at Newport’s Chetwynd Deer Park

Mr Foley and Ms Haig combined on popular operatic standards and World in Union, before they were joined on stage by other artists for a rousing finale.

Musical director David Lane accompanied many performances on the piano.

Proms and Prosecco in the Park is the first event to be organised by Fizz Festivals Ltd; the idea of Newport business owners Esther Wright and Sarah Lewis.

Esther said they are now looking at how to follow up on the event, with plans for a repeat next year, as well as a new idea for the festive season.

She said: “We set out to provide something new for the festivals and events scene across the Midlands and the feedback has been excellent.

“It has spurred us on and we are already discussing plans for next summer’s Proms and Prosecco and exciting ideas for this Christmas.”

Esther owns events management and consultancy company, ElevenTen, and Sarah owns Lily’s Secret Vintage Tearoom, at Gnosall, and runs vintage events and outdoor catering businesses.

Refreshment stands on site included the Estate Boys, Caty’s Caribbean, Momma B’s American Soul Food, and Carnival Chilli and Pizza, while other stalls included Alisha’s Henna, Go Walkies balloons, Glam Squad and Tutor Doctor.

There were also jugglers, a unicyclist and a circus skills workshop to entertain the young children on site.