IT was a night to remember for the 5,000 concertgoers who soaked up the music, flypast, laser show and fire works finale at Castle Howard Proms.

Yorkshire’s very own soprano Lesley Garrett was in fine voice, alongside tenor Geraint Dodd, members of York Musical Society and the London Gala Orchestra, with Stephen Bell on baton duty.

The al fresco audience filled the lawn between the stately home and the Great Lake to enjoy the programme which included Proms classics and popular musical renditions such as My Fair Lady’s I Could Have Danced All Night, as a nod to Garrett’s past performance on Strictly Come Dancing, and the rousing You’ll Never Walk Alone.

A highlight of the first half was the Spitfire flypast, with clear skies providing a perfect backdrop to the aerobatic display. The flag-waving became more energetic in the second half, with picnickers rising to their feet to join in with lively singalong Prom classics, including Rule Britannia and Land Of Hope and Glory as lasers and fireworks lit up the night sky.

For many, it was a night of celebration, including Proms regulars, York City Knights commercial directer Darren Crake with his wife April, toasting their 15th wedding anniversary.

The Union Jack was on proud display, with red, white and blue attire out in force alongside flashing top hats, and flags flying high above elaborate picnics, with ornate candelabra and bunting.

At the top of the sloping lawn was Margaret Bills, from near Pontefract, with family and friends, sporting Union Jack bowler hats and boasting a laden picnic table trimmed with fairy lights.

“We came last year for the first time unprepared, so we are fine this year,” said Margaret, surveying their supplies.

For others, the Proms is an annual affair. Julie Brookes, who manages York Tourist Information Centre, was with friends who have been attending for the past decade.

“We camp for three nights, and come here,” said Julie. “There are 10 of us. We do it every year. We love the whole atmosphere, the Spitfire, the flag waving, and just being together as a group of friends.”