SOUTHEND’S spectacular Vulcan aircraft will form the perfect backdrop for a big summertime concert boasting a packed programme of movie and classical music.

The “Proms at the Vulcan” event is heading to Southend Airport this summer, on July 8.

The event will see a concert with popular movie and classical music played by Essex Concert Orchestra.

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It will take place inside the Vulcan Restoration Trust hangar near the Vulcan XL426, which served with the Royal Air Force from 1962 to 1986

Proms at the Vulcan, run by the Vulcan Restoration Trust, first took place in 2019 and was a huge success and has been each year since.

Southend resident, Martin Harvey, is excited by the return of the event.

He said: “Any event that gets to help the restoration fund and promote Southend Airport is great for the city.

“I also believe the Vulcan XL426 will be the last one to be able to do the open days as all the others are in decline, so it is a great evening to have.

“It is also very popular.

“My son is an engineer on the Vulcan, too, and has volunteered every weekend for the last 14 years.”

Gates will open at 5.30pm on Saturday, July 8, with the orchestra set to begin playing at around 7pm.

The concert is then scheduled to finish at around 9:30pm.

A spokesman for Visit Southend added: “Proms at the Vulcan promises to be another exciting evening with the Essex Concert Orchestra performing a selection of popular movie and classical music alongside Vulcan XL426 at Southend Airport.

“The orchestra comprises some of Essex’s top musicians and includes professional musicians, students at prominent London and Essex music colleges, and local music teachers.

“It also performs at venues across Essex and further afield.

“The seating area will be outside with the orchestra on stage just inside the Vulcan Restoration Trust hangar.

“No seating will be provided so please bring your own chair or chairs.

“Refreshments, including hot and cold food, will be on sale throughout the evening but you are welcome to bring your own picnic if you wish. There will be a licensed bar.”