One of North Yorkshire’s biggest events has been cancelled, it has been announced.
The Castle Howard Proms will not be going ahead this year.
It has been dropped after the promoter who organised the event has gone into liquidation.
Thousands of people attend the Proms, a classical concert in the grounds of the famous stately home, every summer.
Typically, the audience sung along to popular Prom classics, songs from musicals and flag-waving favourites such as ‘Jerusalem’, ‘Rule Britannia’, and ‘Pomp and Circumstance No.1’.
It is usually part of a three-day live music weekend, also featuring dance and theatre music and laser displays.
In a statement, Castle Howard said: “Unfortunately, the promoter who organised the Proms at Castle Howard is currently in the process of going into liquidation, meaning it is impossible for us to deliver a Proms concert in this year’s event schedule.
“We appreciate that the Proms has held a special place in the hearts of many visitors for over 30 years and we have enjoyed hosting this event within the grounds of Castle Howard, and have welcomed thousands of visitors across its lifespan.
“Castle Howard remains committed to delivering high quality events as part of what we programme and we have several new events coming to the iconic house and grounds this year, and will continue to work on future planning for music events.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
Castle Howard has run the Proms in the past with Bedford-based LPH Concerts. It appointed Richard Simms as voluntary liquidator on 3 April.
A statement of affairs showed that LPH Concerts owes creditors more than £2 million.
It owed Castle Howard £99,000. The liquidator has identified £324,000 in assets from the firm.
Last year’s Proms on 20 August featured a classical concert by The London Gala Orchestra as well as opera star Wynne Evans and Broadway and West End star, Marisha Wallace.
It was part of a three-day live music weekend which also included Ibiza dance classics.
The weekend featured a Spitfire flyover and laser displays.
The Proms usually end with fireworks, but the display was cancelled last year as a drought led to extremely dry ground conditions and concerns of fire.
One concert goer summed up the feelings of many about the cancellation, saying: “Very disappointing. That’s a big loss from our summer.”
[tptn_list limit=3 daily=1 hour_range=1]