Proms on the Wicket

Guernsey has held its own Proms event since 2005 and this year’s Proms on the Wicket will take place at the KGV Playing Fields on Saturday 14 September.

The event aims to showcase the wealth of talented local musicians and welcomes back Guernsey Symphonic Winds to make their fifth appearance in the live concert at 7.30pm.

The band includes a large number of musicians who were taught by the Guernsey Music Service and was established in the same year as Proms, nearly 20 years ago. Their programme is always varied and will include music from Holst, Sibelius, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Tina Turner – something for everyone!

The founding principle of the original Proms series was to promote the best in classical music to the widest audience by keeping ticket prices low or free to attend. That principle has always been a key component of the Proms concert, which remains free to attend thanks to the support of the local business community. The year the event welcomes a new principal sponsor, Highvern, alongside long term supporter Guernsey Arts.

“As a musician and member of Guernsey Symphonic Winds, and a huge fan of live music myself, I am delighted to be supporting the Proms on the Wicket event this year,” said Kerrie Le Tissier, Country Head – Guernsey, Highvern. “This event provides islanders with a unique opportunity to experience live music in an open-air setting, free from the confines of a traditional concert hall. Highvern is proud to champion and nurture artistic talent in all its diverse forms and is thrilled to play a significant role in this annual celebration.”

Russ Fossey, Head of Arts Development at Guernsey Arts added: “Guernsey Arts is proud to support this free and inclusive event celebrating this iconic end to the Proms season concert in style, with amazing local musicians.”

To keep with the music theme, two musicals will be shown on the big screen before the concert: Encanto at 3pm and the 2021 remake of West Side Story at 5pm and the event will end with the second half of the Last Night of the Proms live from the Albert Hall from 9pm.

Organisers ask for donations on the gate to help cover the costs to stage the event.

Donations are made in exchange for an all-important union jack flag to wave throughout the evening.