THE hugely popular Concert in the Park is set to return later this month, after a two-year break.

The Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill has organised the event in Priory Park, on June 28.

This will be the 17th Concert in the Park, which started at the Lawns, in Hawkwell, before moving to its current location in Priory Park.

Over the years, the concert has raised nearly £500,000 for charities.

Many donations have been made to local charities, including a number of equipment donations to Southend Hospital and Southend RNLI.

This year’s event will, again, help these two organisations. But many other charities both local and international have also benefited from donations.

This year, the concert is being sponsored by Southend solicitors BTMK. It will feature modern classics, film music and a last night of the proms spectacular, as in previous years.

The English Pops Orchestra, conducted by Louis Clark, will also feature along with the Southend Boys and Girls’ Choirs.

Local 60/70s group the Flashbax will perform and the evening will be compered by DJ Steve Scruton.

Rotary spokesman Andrew Shackleton said: “We haven’t held the concert for the last two years because of economic reasons. Two years ago it clashed with the Olympics and last year we didn’t have a main sponsor.

“The whole point of the event is to make money for charity, and without a main sponsor we might not make a profit.” Mr Shackleton added: “As in previous years it will be a light classical event with lots of popular music and we will end with fireworks.”

Gates open at 4pm.

Entertainment begins at 6.30pm and the orchestra will begin at 8pm. Visit www.concertinthepark.org.uk for more information.