A 'magical' time at Leighton Buzzard's Films and Proms in the Park

Leighton Buzzard's Films and Proms in the Park was a "magical" day to remember with rousing live music and a firework finale.

Hundreds of visitors enjoyed entertainment at Parson’s Close Recreation Ground on Saturday (September 12), as the town council concluded its summer events programme.

Singer Lissie Allsopp said the atmosphere was "absolutely brilliant". Image: Lissie Allsopp.

placeholder image — Singer Lissie Allsopp said the atmosphere was "absolutely brilliant". Image: Lissie Allsopp.

The day began with screenings of Back to the Future and Wicked: For Good, followed by performances from soprano Lissie Allsopp and the Bedfordshire Band of the Royal British Legion. Audiences then watched the BBC’s live screening from the Royal Albert Hall.

Lissie Allsopp, who performed her ‘Best of British’ set, said: "It was so wonderful to be a part of such a well-loved community event and, as a Leighton girl, it felt extra special to be performing in my home town.

The Bedfordshire Band of the Royal British Legion performing in the bandstand. Image: Leighton-Linslade Town Council.

"The highlight for me was singing with The Bedfordshire Band of the Royal British Legion. It’s always such a treat to get to sing with a live band, especially one as talented as this wonderful group of people."

A Leighton-Linslade Town Council spokesman said: "A spectacular low-noise fireworks display provided a fitting finale to the celebrations, bringing another busy and successful summer of community events in Leighton-Linslade to a memorable close."

Lissie treated audiences to well-loved wartime songs such as We'll Meet Again, Run, Rabbit, Run and Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye – highlighting the "incredibly resilient" Blitz spirit and celebrating the "spellbindingly nostalgic" music of Vera Lynn.

Lissie added: "One of my favourite moments was doing The Lambeth Walk and hearing all of the wonderful audience members ‘oi-ing’ along, and partaking in that classic British tradition of a good old sing-along."

Soprano Lissie Allsopp performing in the bandstand. Image: Leighton-Linslade Town Council.

As the night grew darker the bandstand was lit up in red, white and blue, giving a "magical" feel.

The town council has thanked everyone for coming together for an evening of "music, film and community spirit".

It stated: "A special thank you goes to The Bedfordshire Band of the Royal British Legion and Lissie Allsopp for their fantastic performances, which helped make the event so memorable."

Lissie concluded: "There was such a lovely community feel and I chatted to so many people. It really brought the town together and showed what a wonderful community we have."

Sparkling soprano, Lissie Allsopp, ready for an evening of 'Best of British'. Image: Lissie Allsopp.

You can see Lissie and The Bedfordshire Band of the Royal British Legion on Saturday, October 17, at All Saints Church, Leighton Buzzard, for their Poppy Prom.

Lissie said: "It’s going to be a really special evening and it will mark the start of the RBL’s Poppy Appeal. There will be music from the band, myself, and the fabulous Chanteuses choir.

"Come along and enjoy a stunning evening of music and remembrance in the breathtaking historic setting of All Saints Church. We hope to see you there!"