Will wows the crowds as proms prove to be a hit

By natalie hoodless natalie.hoodless@gazettenews.co.uk

FAMILIES made the most of having a concert on their doorstep and headed to Lake Meadows for the gala weekend.

The roads leading from Billericay town centre to the sprawling parkland were teaming with people strolling along with folding chairs hanging from their shoulders ahead of Saturday night's classical concert and Will Young's performance on Sunday.

On the first night, families enjoyed picnics and long, cool beers as they waited for the Proms in the Park to get underway.

Headlining was top soprano Elizabeth MacDonald, accompanied by the City Orchestra as crowds waved the flag of St George along to the rousing music.

Groovejet star Sophie Ellis-Bexter warmed up the crowd on Sunday, telling them she was amazed by the picturesque setting.

Picnics were banned but chairs were set up at the rear of the crowd while eager fans pressed forward to get close to the real star of the night, Pop Idol winner Will Young.

The signer stormed onto stage at 8pm in a flamboyant military-style jacket and launched into an impressive set ranging from upbeat, rock-inspired songs to the mellow ballads he is famous for.

Dave and Dawn Harvey, of Central Avenue, Billericay, took their children Harry and Hannah to see the star.

Dawn said: "I have always wanted to see him and as he was on our doorstep we thought this was a perfect opportunity.

"We all thought he was great, half way through Harry turned to me and said 'this is brilliant'."

Dave added: "The only downside is that we couldn't bring food and drink in. It is a nightmare queuing up with kids."

The family moved towards the front so the children could get a great view of Young and Dawn confessed: "We probably wouldn't have done that if we had chairs and a picnic with us."

The whole family are already looking ahead to next year.

"It is great coming here, we can walk over and it is ideal family entertainment," said Dave.

Alan and Cally Hawkes, of Ilford, left the park on Sunday as Will Young converts.

"I was pleasantly surprised, I didn't know he was such a vast catalogue. And he is very personable. There was a great atmosphere."