Fireworks, flag waving and fantastic weather formed the perfect backdrop as thousands of patriotic party-goers turned out for Southend's Concert in the Park.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill, the concert in Priory Park was supported by more than 6,000 people.

The Hugh Rainey Jazz Band warmed up the audience belting out some popular jazz hits before the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra took to the stage.

Together with guest soprano, Janet Mooney, the orchestra performed works by Tchaikovsky, Elgar and Strauss among others, and squeezed in ever popular pieces such as Rule Britannia and Jerusalem to a sea of flag waving among the crowd.

A spectacular firework display finished off the evening in style.

Richard Jennings, president of the Rotary club, said: "A lot of hard work has gone into this event and to see it like that is very satisfying. We have been putting the fences up and setting up since Thursday, and we started planning it last September.

"The main attraction is the Royal Philharmonic without a doubt, that is why people come here and that's what they want."

Last year the event raised around £44,000 for local charities, but the club hope to top £50,000 this year and make it the most successful event they have hosted.

This year, the main charities benefiting from the event are Hearing Dogs and Epilepsy Action, although money will also be spread around several other rotary charities.

Mr Jennings added: "The hearing dogs are a Rotary charity, but the charity gave us a presentation and I was smitten with the dogs. They are amazing."

Terry Ibrahim, a former president of the Rotary club, was delighted with the large turnout. He said: "We sold well. The football affected it at first, but once we knew England weren't playing on the Saturday the ticket sales started going up quickly.

"We had 6,000 tickets on sale and we pretty much sold out. It was superb.

"The atmosphere was really good and the weather was some of the best we have ever had."

Judging by the comments from members of the crowd, the evening was a tremendous success.

Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh, attended and said: "This is always a great event.

"It always has a healthy turnout, but given that we have got excellent weather and with the World Cup going on, it's just one great festival that is raising lots of money as well."

1:25pm Monday 26th June 2006

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