Shipston Proms brings biggest-ever street party to the town square

Shipston witnessed the biggest-ever street party in the square for the Last Night Of The Proms on Saturday 5th July.

Proms Fame Contest winners ‘Amy Joynes’, and ‘Me, Him, And The Others’ opened the show, followed by no holds barred folk-rockers, Leatherat, who got the audience dancing to their fiddle-led rhythms. U2UK rounded the evening off in style, with many people commenting that they hadn’t realised they knew so many U2 songs. It seemed as though the whole community had come to join the party, proving that this 17-day event successfully caters for everyone’s musical tastes.

It wasn’t just local residents showing an interest in the proms. BBC Midlands Today also came to Shipston to film premier UK boogie and rock and roll pianist Mike Sanchez doing a workshop at Shipston High School.

Town Mayor, Philip Vial, said: “I was delighted to be able to attend five Proms events this year, all of which were of a very high standard. The committee have worked extremely hard this year and their efforts certainly paid off.”

The Shipston Proms is unique in that the organsiers try to get music of all genres into all corners, and not just at the high profile events. Proms Chairman Tim Porter said: “The standard of musicianship in the High School has increased dramatically over the last few years, and we like to feel that we have played a part in that.” Battered Soul, Shipston High School’s soul band, now play concerts in the area, and they were an entrant in the Proms Fame Contest last year.

“This has been the most successful Proms to date and all the events were well attended which provides a strong platform for next year.” Tim added.