Wokingham

Wokingham in the Sunshine

Perfect for lovers of classical music and families looking for an excellent day out, The Wokingham Cantley Proms returns for the third fantastic year on Sunday 20th July 2008. Once again guests will be treated to the return of the performing trio of previous years: Fiona O'Neill (ENO, Dublin Opera), Andrew Forbes Lane (ENO, Opera North) and The Lewisham Concert band back fresh from their second international tour in Berlin.

The Wokingham concert will be conducted by Tom Higgins (Opera Holland Park, Opera South and Dresden Staatsoperette) who has become well known for his charismatic and charming conducting style and the music will be presented by Robert Powell who is best known for his performance as the title character in the feature film Jesus of Nazareth and more recently for playing Mark Williams in the BBC's Holby City.

The gardens of Cantley House, Wokingham open at 5:30pm for those who wish to picnic whilst being entertained by the wonderful tones of Wokingham's own Take 4 barber shop quartet. As the evening comes in the gardens come alive with the performance of some of the best known classical pieces (March of the Dambusters, Land of Hope and Glory, The Light Cavalry Overture) as well as some more modern and amusing pieces including a feature on Pirates of The Caribbean.

The Cantley Wokingham Proms raises money for two local charities: The Thames Valley Lords Taverners and Wokingham Borough Mencap, last year the event raised over £1,000 which the organisers hope to double this year. Chris Monk, event organiser, explains "With the proms our eventual aim is to raise really significant money for charity, however we want to do this by providing a product of the highest quality and so we are not skimping on the necessities but rather putting on a wonderful event each year and gradually being able to give more to charity as our popularity grows.

Tickets are priced at £20 for adults, £17.50 for concessions and £7 for children. They are available from Cantley House Hotel on 01189 789912 or online at http://www.cantleyproms.co.uk

Cantley House Hotel, Wokingham