MUSIC lovers are preparing for a night of sophistication and fun as Prom in the Park arrives in Ipswich tonight.The Proms style concert, to be held in Christchurch Park's natural concert bowl, promises to be full of the spirit, tradition, patriotic flag waving and excitement for which events of this kind are famed.

MUSIC lovers are preparing for a night of sophistication and fun as Prom in the Park arrives in Ipswich tonight.

The Proms style concert, to be held in Christchurch Park's natural concert bowl, promises to be full of the spirit, tradition, patriotic flag waving and excitement for which events of this kind are famed.

Organiser and conductor Leslie Olive has pulled out all the stops to ensure it will be a night to remember with a carefully chosen programme of music to appeal to the masses.

Among the highlights will be a performance by violinist Nicola Loud who will join the English Arts Orchestra for the Bruch Violin Concerto in its entirety.

Leslie said: "Normally at outdoor concerts you only get snippets of music but I specifically wanted to do this in full.

"The Bruch Violin Concerto features in Classic FM's top ten year after year and Nicola plays it just so wonderfully that I wanted people to hear that and see her play.

"For me the intensity of her performance of this passionate music is astonishing. She brings to it a focus and a commitment which I think you will find you never forget."

Leslie first conducted Nicola in this piece at Manchester Cathedral in 1990. That same year, at the age of 15, she won BBC Young Musician of the Year.

Another young performer appearing at Prom in the Park tonight will be flautist Vicky Fletcher who has recently finished her A levels at Colchester Royal Grammar School.

She will be playing a movement from the D major Mozart Flute Concerto.

Leslie said: "If Prom in the Park is successful we will have a slot for a young, local musician every year. Hopefully teachers and senior schools will latch on to this idea and I'll have people ringing me up with suggested performers."

Also joining the orchestra on stage during tonight's concert will be tenor Andrew Morris, for performances of a number of arias, including O Sole Mio and Nessun Dorma.

Tonight's concert will begin with the 633 Squadron, an apt choice considering this year's celebrations marking 60 years since the end of the Second World War. The first half will finish with the Dambusters March.

Copeland's Fanfare for the Common Man and Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries, two pieces chosen by listeners to BBC Radio Suffolk, will also feature in the concert.

And the night will conclude with Elgar's Pomp & Circumstance, during which everyone is welcome to join in with Land of Hope and Glory, and a performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture complete with a spectacular, firework finale.

Leslie added: "I can promise you a memorable evening with the sumptuous sound of the full symphony orchestra, a choreographed firework display you will never forget, and some truly beautiful music."