Thousands enjoy Southend's concert in the park (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Thousands enjoy Southend's concert in the park

2:40pm Monday 29th June 2009

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THUNDERCLOUDS may have threatened, but nothing could dampen the spirits of music lovers at this year’s Concert in the Park.

Held in Southend’s Priory Park and organised by the Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill, crowds were treated to a mixture of music with a nautical theme.

The spectacle was kicked off by Southend Boys’ and Girls’ choirs, who opened the show with Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance.

Next up was Sixties tribute band Wheelz, made up of Rotarians, who took to the stage and got the crowds dancing ahead of a performance from perennial favourites the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

President Roger Allen said: “It was a brilliant night, one of the best we’ve ever had. The atmosphere was amazing and everyone really enjoyed the music. I don’t think anyone wanted to go home at the end.”

After a hot, sultry day, thunder was heard in the distance, but concert-goers escaped a drenching.

Mr Allen said: “We just had the very edge of the rain, but then it left us alone, which was brilliant.”

The show was in aid of two worthy causes, with money raised primarily going to Bosom Pals, a support group for people affected by breast cancer.

Also benefitting from the concert was the International Rotary’s Purple Pinkie campaign, which was set up to eradicate childhood polio.

In the campaign, children have their little fingers dipped in ink to show they have been innoculated, and donors to the campaign dipped their fingers too, to show their support.

Mr Allen said: “People really supported the Purple Pinkie campaign. We really felt as if we’d done something worthwhile.”

“When you looked round the park you could see masses of people and it was a really lovely evening. We are already looking forward to next year.”