The North Devon Sinfonia is set to light up Barnstaple Pannier Market on Friday, 20 September at 7pm with a spectacular “Last Night of the Proms” concert. This event promises to fill the heart of Barnstaple with vibrant music and patriotic spirit, perfectly setting the stage for the town’s Carnival weekend.

Taking place on the eve of the Barnstaple Carnival, the concert will feature an eclectic mix of music, including rousing patriotic choruses that will echo through the town. The first half of the evening will be a special tribute to Nigel Brooks, with the orchestra performing his “Barnstaple Fair Suite” – a fitting homage as the annual Barnstaple Fair will be in full swing.

The second half of the concert will offer a diverse selection of music, culminating in Jerusalem and God Save the King, ensuring the audience leaves uplifted and ready for the weekend’s festivities.

Programme highlights:

– Nigel Brooks – Barnstaple Fair Suite

– Elgar – Nimrod (from Enigma Variations), Pomp & Circumstance March No.1

– Vaughan Williams – Folk Song Suite

– Sibelius – Finlandia

– Gershwin – Summertime, I Got Rhythm

– Jerome Kern – Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man

Lee Baxendale, Cultural Producer, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with North Devon Sinfonia to bring the Last Night of the Proms to Barnstaple, offering an evening of music that celebrates both local and community spirit. This event is a wonderful way to kick off the Carnival weekend, and we can’t wait to see the town come alive with joy and excitement!”

Tickets are priced from £7 and are available for purchase online.

Please note that the Pannier Market is an unheated venue, so attendees are encouraged to wrap up warmly.

This event has been made possible by Flourishing Barnstaple, a North Devon Council initiative supported by the Government’s Cultural Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England.

The concert is just the beginning of a weekend packed with excitement. On Saturday, 21 September, the Barnstaple Carnival will bring a day full of events, culminating in the Carnival Parade at 6pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display to conclude the festivities.