A MUSICAL spectacular will be returning to Bournemouth this summer after a five year absence.

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will play its 'Proms in the Park' event in Meyrick Park for the first time since the Russian Extravaganza of 2011.

It promises to be one of the most popular events of the year and is back by public demand.

Thousands of music lovers are expected to flock to the three-day summer festival between Friday, August 5 to Sunday, August 7.

The event will feature a classical concert on the Friday night conducted by Frank Zielhorst.

It will include Dance of the Hours, Ride of the Valkyries, the Barber of Seville, Carmen, Toccata and Fugue and Sabre Dance.

Then on Saturday night visitors will be transformed into dancing queens as the BSO take on some of ABBA's greatest hits, under the baton of Pete Harrison.

Audience members are encouraged to don the flares for the event.

For the Friday and Saturday concerts, admission to the arena is from 6pm for picnics via Meyrick Park Crescent and Braidley Road.

The concerts start at 8pm and are expected to finish around 10.20pm with firework displays.

Sunday will be a full family fun day and community programme with a son et lumiere finale including lights, lasers and fireworks.

Starting from 12.30pm the musical funday includes a host of participation events and short performances and a finale which will see the BSO team up with Inspiration Choir Southampton for something truly spectacular.

This year the Daily Echo has teamed up with the BSO as media partner for the Proms and will be giving away 20 pairs of tickets for each day of the event.

Details of the give-away will be released nearer the time.

BSO chief executive, Dougie Scarfe said: "We are delighted to be making our highly anticipated return to Meyrick Park, with thanks to the generous support from Bournemouth Borough Council.

"We look forward to welcoming thousands over the three days to enjoy this summer spectacle with an extraordinary programme of live music, works and events that has something for everyone."

Tickets are already on sale and going fast.

Go to BSOlive.com or call the box office on 01202 669925 to get yours before it's too late.