A POPULAR music event which returned to Bournemouth for the first time in three years has been heralded a huge success.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) returned to Meyrick Park with Proms in the Park last weekend, with thousands of people enjoying the celebration of live symphonic music.

Audiences with their picnic hampers and tables enjoyed a range of music performed in the open air, and a stunning firework display at the end of the first night.

The Friday night was dedicated to a classical extravaganza, with the Saturday concert turning the theme to the music of Queen.

Dougie Scarfe, chief executive of the BSO, said: “We were thrilled to welcome over 7,200 people to celebrate live symphonic music in Meyrick Park at the weekend, from an audience of all ages enjoying our Classical Extravaganza on Friday night to the groups of families and friends who prepped their finest ‘Freddie’ outfits to dance and sing along to our Queen Symphonic Spectacular… it was certainly a weekend that’ll go down in memory.

Read more: Photos of BSO Proms in the Park, Meyrick Park, Bournemouth

“We’re grateful to our partners at BCP Council who supported the weekend and to Friday’s Experience Sponsor, Investec — we very much hope to return next year, watch this space for more.

“Despite not being able to host the event for the last three years due to the pandemic, the atmosphere in the park was absolutely electric — and we know that many people had travelled from near and far to be together. The whole weekend really proved the power of live music to help uplift the soul and find a little escapism, and perhaps that’s something we need more now than ever.”