Symphonic Eighties BSO Proms in the Park YOU can say many great things about the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and we frequently do.

Now add to the list the fact that these guys really know how to throw a party.

And wow can they do it on a grand scale!

Around 4,000 people revelled in a few hours of nostalgia on Saturday night at the Symphonic 80s Spectacular under the baton of a sparkly-jacketed Pete Harrison.

It was part two of another hugely successful Proms in the Park event and marked the end of this BSO season.

While a traditional evening with one of the world's busiest orchestras would normally be a relatively reserved affair, this was anything but.

Members of the audience were out of their folding chairs from the outset, resplendent in eighties garb, wigs, glow sticks and flashing Mohican hair pieces.

West End vocalists Emma Kershaw, Katie Birtill, Oliver Tompsett and Patrick Smyth brilliantly took us on a journey through some of the decade's most iconic hit from the likes of Bowie, Elton John, Blondie, Dexy's Midnight Runners, The Human League, Toto, A-Ha and Ultravox.

Songs like Come on Eileen, Vienna, Africa, Eye of the Tiger, Take on Me and many more had them rocking in the park on another perfect evening for an outdoor performance.

The concert itself was followed at 10pm with a spectacular Son et lumiere, half an hour of iconic recorded music set to lights, laser and fireworks.

This was an epic triumph of an evening.

As one of the BSO's more traditional followers, I was delighted to see the magic of this multi- dimensional, world-class orchestra showcased to a different, younger and more diverse audience.

It is worth repeating time and again.

Whether you like Bowie or Beethoven (or both) we are incredibly blessed to have this amazing cultural jewel right at the heart of our community.