Wokingham

The Wokingham Cantley Proms returns by popular demand on Sunday 22nd of July 2007. This year sees another evening of superb entertainment gracing the beautiful gardens of Cantley House Hotel.

Once again The Lewisham Concert Band, who have famously appeared many times on the BBC's Friday Night is Music Night, will be performing under guest conductor Tom Higgins. Tom, a former member of ENO, has conducted at the Dresden Staatsoperette, Opera Holland Park and is the musical director of Opera South. His recording of Sullivan’s The Rose of Persia was the Observer’s Classical CD of the Week.

The band is being joined by the soprano Fiona O’Neill (ENO, Dublin Opera), who makes a welcome return to Cantley, and the tenor Andrew Forbes-Lane (ENO, Opera North, Glyndebourne). This year there is a special treat for Dr Who fans, young and old, as our presenter will be special guest John Leeson, the voice of the Doctor's trusty companion, K9. All fans of the show should book early to ensure they catch a glimpse of, or rather hear the voice of, one of television's most famous animals.

The Wokingham Cantley Proms again aims to raise significant money for two charities: Mencap and The Lord's Taverners. The Taverners work to provide sporting opportunities for young people, especially those with special needs. They are a national charity but Cantley Proms has been working closely with the Thames Valley branch and it is to them that half the profits will be donated.

The other charity to be supported is Wokingham Mencap. A local charity which supports people with learning disabilities, their families and helpers. The charity is a personal favourite of Chris Monk, 21, the original organiser of the concert. Mencap first inspired Chris after seeing the way in which they worked to involve young people in the care of those with learning difficulties with the summer programme at Oundle School.

The Cantley Proms is proudly sponsored by Clifton Ingram, Wokingham LLP Solicitors for which the organisers and charities are extremely grateful.

Cantley House Hotel, Wokingham gardens open at 5:00pm for guests who wish to picnic whilst being entertained by a leading local Barber Shop Quartet and the concert begins as dusk falls at 7:30pm. For those who wish to enjoy a fuller dining experience, the award winning Miltons Restaurant will be open serving a late Sunday lunch.

Tickets are £20 for adults, £17.50 for concessions and £7 for children; they will be more expensive on the day so advance booking is recommended. Tickets are available from Cantley House Hotel either in person or by calling 01189 789912, and online (where there are pictures of previous concerts) at www.cantleyproms.co.uk.

Cantley House Hotel, Milton Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 5QG.