THE South’s season of outdoor concerts in the grounds of stately homes went off with a bang as fireworks provided an encore at the opening night at Exbury Gardens in the New Forest.

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, left no one in any doubt that it was relishing its tour of top venues.

A 5,000-strong picnic-partying audience enjoyed the warm weather and music on June 29, 2001.

Bournemouth Echo: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra play at Exbury Gardens

Orchestra officials paid tribute to the support given to the event by Exbury’s owners, the de Rothschild family.