This month Kate Chaundy reveals details of this summer’s Bedford Park Concerts
You always know when the weather’s getting warmer and summer is approaching when the line-ups for the Bedford Park concerts are announced. Held on 6-7 August, this year’s is a weekend not to be missed and so make sure you book tickets now to avoid missing out.
Tom Jones in Concert
For headlining on the Sunday is a living legend, none other than old “Sex Bomb” himself, Sir Tom Jones. What’s kept him at the top of the tree for half a century and the reason he appeals to young and old, men and women alike, is the power of that voice. If the wind’s in the right direction, it’ll probably be heard in Milton Keynes! It’s a great privilege for Bedford to have one of the world’s greatest stars perform in the town. And you could be watching him while sitting on the green, green grass of home! You don’t want to miss out.
There’s a local flavour to the warm-up band. The Shires are a duo of Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes who hail from Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. They’re the first UK country act to be signed to a major Nashville label. They should set a feel-good mood to what promises to be a night to remember.
The Tom Jones concert is NOT a picnic concert – there are fully licensed bars and a variety of food and drink outlets available inside the venue. However, for the Bedford Park Proms on the Saturday, bringing those checked rugs, tables and chairs, and all the accoutrements required for a picnic are positively encouraged.
Bedford Park Proms
This year’s is a particularly glamorous occasion. Headlining will be Blake, the trio of hunky males whose 
rich harmony vocals have earned them a Classical Brit Award. Their eclectic mix of classical and pop songs has brought them extraordinary success worldwide. Even the royals like them – they’ve performed several times for the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
Blake will be joined by the captivating talent of Rebecca Newman, affectionately named the “People’s Soprano” by fans, colleagues and the media. A songwriter as well as a singer, Rebecca stormed to number one in the Official UK Classical Albums Chart with her debut album release. She has also shared the stage with some of the biggest stars in the classical firmament such as Russell Watson, Alfie Boe and Aled Jones.
Centre stage will be the renowned London Gala Orchestra and, as in previous years, they will be supported by the Bedford Choral Society. Together, they will perform many pieces familiar to the Proms including popular classics and film scores.
This year, there will also be special guest soloists and other surprises on the night in honour of 2016 being the 20th anniversary of Bedford Park Proms. To round it all off, the audience will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display and laser show which are truly choreographed to the music, one of the only shows in the country to do this.
For tickets and up to date information on acts, special offers and news, please got to www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk
Eastlife has two tickets to giveaway to the Tom Jones concert! Like our Facebook page for further details to be announced soon!
