Hannells Darley Park Concert welcomed back

The Hannells Darley Park Concert

Tue 5 Sep 2017

This year’s Hannells Darley Park Concert 2017, organised by Derby LIVE, with orchestra Sinfonia Viva andmedia sponsor Classic FM, was a resounding success! The event was supported by Hannells Estates Agents, Flint Bishop Solicitors, HUUB, Mortgage Advice Bureau, PKF Cooper Parry, Specsavers and Stratstone BMW Derby.

With more than 14,500 of you buying tickets for the event, the audience gathered on the hill in Darley Park to secure the best spots to view the entertaining concert. Families and friends gathered to enjoy the experience and we noticed you all came well-equipped to cope with the changing weather conditions! Classic FM’s Tim Lihoreau, presenter of Classic FM’s More Music Breakfast, was a terrific host for the event which included popular pieces to celebrate Derby’s 40th year as a City, and a selection of classics chosen by the public. 

You were delighted with an eclectic mix of returning favourites played by the exceptional Sinfonia Viva, and conducted by James Holmes, such as Thunderbirds, music from Star Wars and the fantastic Bohemian Rhapsody. We hope you enjoyed joined in singing along with Steve Bloomer’s Watching and Happy Birthday to Derby on reaching 40 years as a City, Sinfonia Viva reaching its 35th birthday and Classic FM celebrating 25 years. The concert included a fantastic selection of music from a variety of performers, including baritone soloist Grant Doyle, who sang Funiculi Funicula and Runaway Train.

Sinfonia Viva’s Carers’ Choir, Sing Viva, and the popular Dalesmen Male Voice Choir also performed during the concert and were well received. The evening ended in traditional spectacular fashion of course, with fireworks and a rendition of Land of Hope and Glory during which you were waving your flags and umbrellas in time with the music!

Our special guest, Dame Betty Brioche, made an appearance on stage during the concert interval, in advance of her performance in this year’s pantomime at Derby Arena, Beauty and the Beast. Morgan Brind, who plays the humorous character, is one of the Co-Directors at Little Wolf Entertainment who are co-producing the panto with Derby LIVE this Christmas. Dame Betty read out a list of dedications to those who were celebrating their birthday on 3 September and we hope enjoyed chatting to and getting selfies with the colourful Dame.

Here are some of your lovely comments on social media about the event:

Beverley Hutchinson commented on Facebook “Weather didn’t stop us enjoying the night, great to have it back in Derby!”

Attackmonkies@DerbyInPictures tweeted, “Loving the amazing Darley concert. So glad to have it back where it belongs #darley17”

Olive@oohlivvyarr tweeted, “Loving Darley Park concert :D who cares about the rain!”

Remember to pick up your tickets for next year's concert, taking place on Sunday 2 September, at the discounted price of £2.50! This offer is running until 31 December so there's plenty of time for early birds to take advantage.