Barry Manilow Delights 40K Across The Pond For BBC Proms In The Park

Music legend Barry Manilow played to a sold-out crowd of over 40,000 fans at this year’s BBC Proms in the Park – the annual extravaganza held in London’s Hyde Park, and broadcast live on BBC Radio 2, that allows music lovers to enjoy the magic and passion of the much-loved Last Night of the Proms.

The event marked Manilow’s only UK concert in 2009.

“Everyone at Radio 2 is delighted that Barry Manilow will headline Proms in the Park in September. Barry Manilow is one of the giants of world showbusiness and the fans in the park and our Radio 2 listeners are in for a treat,” Bob Shennan, BBC Radio 2 Controller, said prior to the event.

He joined a star-studded line-up that includes the award-winning mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, who performs at the Proms in the Park concert for the very first time. The event also sees performances from acclaimed Icelandic tenor sensation Garoar Thór Cortes and the BBC Concert Orchestra under the baton of Martin Yates. It culminates in a live video link-up with the Royal Albert Hall and a nationwide sing-along to traditional favorites including “Jerusalem” and “Rule Britannia!” with the help of the Royal Choral Society.

Tribute bands to two of the world’s best rock groups start the entertainment in the afternoon’s warm up events, which is hosted by BBC Radio 2 presenter Ken Bruce. The Counterfeit Stones entertain with their individual take on The Rolling Stones and Gary Mullen and the Works prepare audiences for the main event with the best of Queen. This year’s Proms in the Park follows the success of last year’s event, which featured Sharleen Spiteiri, Jose Carreras and Lesley Garrett.