MUSIC lovers packed Chester Cathedral on Friday, July 8, to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in patriotic style.
Hosted by broadcaster and former Chester MP Gyles Brandreth and presented by High Sheriff of Cheshire Jeannie France-Hayhurst, the Platinum Proms concert was in aid of Cheshire Community Foundation.
Gyles Brandreth presenting Platinum Proms.
A welcome by the Dean of Chester Cathedral Tim Stratford was followed by rousing performances by opera duo Belle Voci, singer and musician Phoebe Fildes and medleys from Cheshire choirs, A Handbag of Harmonies, Decibellas and Chester Male Voice Choir.
A Handbag of Harmonies with Chester Male Voice Choir.
Raconteur Brandreth held the audience rapt with tales of his childhood, his time in Parliament and his TV exploits including his role on Celebrity Gogglebox.
With musical direction by Matt Baker, directed by John Young and produced by Jo Sykes, there were royal references in abundance. These included a special rendition of John Bennet’s madrigal for Queen Elizabeth I, sung by Vale of Clwyd Singers, Gilbert & Sullivan’s When Britain Really Ruled the Waves by baritone Steve Riordan and Matt’s original anthem Our Jubilee.
Belle Voci in performance.
Dance performances included Fame by Hammond School BA students and a moving rendition of You Raise Me Up by Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, Chester’s recovery charity. Young Chester Stagecoach students also performed an extract from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Fallen Angels Dance Theatre and Decibellas.
The audience joined performers in a rousing finale of patriotic favourites Jerusalem, ‘Bread of Heaven’ and Rogers & Hammerstein’s ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ before the National Anthem.
Jeannie France-Hayhurst said: “It was an absolute joy to be able to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Jubilee in such a fabulous way. To see the Union flags waving in a packed Chester Cathedral was a sight to behold.
High Sheriff of Cheshire Jeannie France-Hayhurst.
“I can’t thank Gyles and everyone else involved in the performance enough for giving their time and talent to help make this concert such a success and to raise funds for such a well deserving cause which helps charities and organisations all over the county.”
The performance, by PictureHouse Films Ltd in Bretton, is available to download for a donation to Cheshire Community Foundation. For more information, visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/highsheriffofcheshire
The audience at Platinum Proms, held at Chester Cathedral.
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