Party in the Park

Aug 1 2008 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

Tatton Park in Knutsford is to play host to one of the biggest parties of the summer with two days of spectacular musical entertainment this weekend.

The Party at Tatton Park sees the Hallé Fireworks and Light Spectacular return to the stunning lakeside setting for its season finale concert on Saturday, August 2.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Hallé; founded in Manchester. It is Britain’s longest-established symphony orchestra.

This year’s programme will be conducted by John Wilson and celebrates Cheshire’s Year of Gardens ’08 with classical masterpieces such as Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker, Grainger’s Country Gardens, excerpts from Prokofiev’s The Love of Three Oranges and Johann Strauss’ Roses from the South, as well as excerpts from Wagner’s Lohengrin and Grieg’s Peer Gynt, works by Dvorák, and Berlioz, and the famous Dam Busters March by Coates.

In keeping with tradition, the concert will incorporate a spectacular and extensive firework display.

Set against Tatton Park’s breathtaking backdrop this year’s display will be synchronised to extracts from Holst’s most famous Planet Suite – Mars, Saturn and Jupiter.

Tickets for the Halle concert are £25 with groups of 10-plus £23 each.

Grab your dancing shoes on Sunday, August 3 and get ready to become a Dancing Queen as Björn Again – performing the greatest hits of Abba – and The Music of Dirty Dancing take to the stage.

Get set to swing those hips at 6pm with The Music Of Dirty Dancing, featuring all the hits from the cult classic film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey including Do You Love Me, Be My Baby, Big Girls Don’t Cry, She’s Like the Wind, Hungry Eyes and (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.

From 9pm Rod Leissle’s legendary Abba tribute band Björn Again performs the greatest hits of Abba, including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Take A Chance On Me, Thank You For The Music, Waterloo and Fernando.

Tickets for the music spectacular are priced: adult £29; senior citizens £20; children 5-16 £20; groups of 10+ £27; family ticket for four people (max two adult) £80; under fives free.

The party each night kicks off with live music from 5pm. Concertgoers can pitch up from 3pm, enjoy a picnic in the park and party into the night. This year, Carluccio’s are offering the opportunity to pre-order a gourmet picnic that can be collected on arrival.

Book tickets at www.tattonparkconcerts.com or ring 0844 847 1554.