The Gaiety Theatre will be filled with music, flags and plenty of audience participation when the annual ‘Manx Last Night of the Proms’ returns later this month.

Presented by Manx Concert Brass and Manx Youth Band, the popular concert will take place on Saturday, September 26.

Promising an evening of patriotic favourites, show tunes and well-known works from some of Britain’s most celebrated composers.

Adding a touch of West End fun to this year’s event will be special guest soloist Damian Kneale, the Manx actor and singer who recently appeared in the official UK tour of Les Misérables.

Damian will perform a selection of showstopping numbers throughout the evening, both as a soloist and alongside Manx Concert Brass.

Among the songs will be ‘Stars’ from Les Misérables and ‘Luck Be A Lady’ from Guys and Dolls.

Both will be familiar to local theatregoers, following Damian’s stand-out performance as Sky Masterson in Douglas Choral Union’s production of Guys and Dolls earlier this year.

Manx Concert Brass chairman Stephen Maddocks said the event was one of the highlights of the band’s musical calendar.

He said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted that Damian is joining us for what promises to be a fantastic evening.’

‘His experience performing in the UK tour of Les Misérables brings something truly special to this year’s concert. Combined with all the traditional Proms favourites, it’s shaping up to be a memorable night for audience members of all ages.’

The evening will be conducted by musical director Ian Clague, with the programme featuring a selection of traditional Proms favourites.

Just some of what the audiences can expect to hear are: Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance and Land of Hope and Glory, Johann Strauss’s Radetzky March, Hubert Parry’s Jerusalem and the ever-popular Fantasia on British Sea-Songs.

The themes of England and national identity in ‘Jerusalem’, has been associated with the Last Night of the Proms for a long time and is often regarded as an unofficial English anthem.

The concert will also continue the traditional Proms atmosphere, with audience members encouraged to join in with the singing, wave flags and embrace the celebratory spirit of the evening.

Mr Maddocks added: ‘The flags will be flying, the balloons will be out and we are looking forward to a wonderful atmosphere and great music.

‘Whether you’re a regular Proms-goer or attending for the first time, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of joining hundreds of people singing along to the grand finale.’

The Last Night of the Proms begins at 7.30pm on Saturday, September 26. Tickets cost £20 for adults, £17.50 for concessions and £5 for under-16s.

Tickets are available from the Welcome Centre, the Villa Marina box office, by calling 600555 or online through villagaiety.com.

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