WHAT a joy to be at Proms In the Park in Darlington on Sunday.

After the challenges of lockdown, it was wonderful to see so many families coming together to enjoy the music in South Park, so congratulations to everyone who made it such an uplifting event.

The 8th Proms in the Park was organised by ABF The Soldiers' Charity and Darlington Borough Council. Stirring music was provided by The Royal Signals Northern Band, Pipes and Drums 102 Battalion REME and The Soldiers of Swing, former seni-finalists in Britain's Got Talent.

Spectators danced, sang, and waved their flags – it was heart-warming to see.

And what a lovely touch to unveil a bench in memory of Ivor Shirley, the driving force behind so many musical events in Darlington.

Ivor, unassuming yet passionate when it came to showcasing music, died in November, aged 91.

Thank you for the music, Ivor.

The Northern Echo: