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BBC Proms embark on first Bristol residency

Jonathan HolmesBBC News, West of England
News imageEljay Briss A goup of musicians in a circle, all wearing white, playing their instruments, surrounded by members of the audienceEljay Briss
It's the first time the event has been hosted in the west of England

One of the largest classical music festivals, the BBC Proms, has taken up residency in Bristol this weekend.

It's the first time the concerts have taken place in the west or south-west of England.

The event, at Bristol Beacon, continues on Sunday with a centenary celebration of the BBC Singers, and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performing with Dame Evelyn Glennie.

The Bristol-based Paraorchestra made its Proms debut on Saturday, with two performances of 'Virtuous Circle'.

The group, which performs around the world, is made up of both disabled and non-disabled musicians, and aims to make orchestral music accessible to all.

Paraorchestra chief executive, Jonathan Harper, told BBC Radio Bristol: "We're so grateful we have one of the best concert halls in the world to perform in, and acoustically it's the best concert hall in the country."

The proms weekend continues on Monday with the Cbeebies Prom Ocean Adventure, along with other family-friendly entertainment.

News imageElijay Briss Man in white t-shirt clapping next to another man sitting down in the middle of the photo. They are surrounded by orchestra members holding instruments and all clappingElijay Briss
Charles Hazlewood (l) conducted the Paraorchestra in a new work by Oliver Vibrans
News imageElijay Briss Group of musicians in the background playing, the shot is focused on a woman sitting in a wheelchair playing a violin, dressed in whiteElijay Briss
The Paraorchestra is the UK’s only ensemble made up of disabled and non-disabled professional musicians
News imageElijay Briss A collection of musicians on stage, all dressed in white, applaudingElijay Briss
During the performance, the crowd were able to move freely around the hall
News imageElijay Briss A crowd of people mingling with various musicians in the concert hallElijay Briss
The Paraorchestra performed Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 from memory, and on the move in the Beacon hall

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