Music / News
Musical parade promotes Proms in Bristol
A blaze of fiery orange ignited the Cascade Steps on Friday morning as a parade hit the streets of Bristol in celebration of the Proms’ inaugural visit to the Bristol Beacon.
The early August morning seemed to be firmly in the clutches of autumn with cold breezes and a few scarves wrapped around necks.
But a sunny warm antithesis arrived clad in colourful one-pieces, clutching trumpets and drums aplenty.
is needed now More than ever
This was the Jump Street Band, who transformed the centre into a jaunty bandstand through an eclectic mix of pop, funk and soul.
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It wasn’t long before an orchestral version of Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) enticed the morning commuters – most of whom bopped along to the reinvigorated Backstreet Boys hit, or at the very least recorded the scene on their phones as they hurried along with their day.
The band was followed by some very enthusiastic members of the Proms and Bristol Beacon team who danced excitedly behind the musicians, each wearing BBC Proms t-shirts, and contributing to the symphony of sounds with tambourines and maracas.
Some even ran ahead to press the button so that crossing the road didn’t result in a flattened trombone or worse, the end of 90s boy band songs.
As we made our way up to the Beacon for a proper welcome to the BBC Proms, heads continued to turn towards the tangerine herd of musicians who trooped on, never wavering in their exuberance or musical proficiency among the urban jungle that is rush hour Bristol.
A huge round of applause was awarded to the pitch perfect band as we reached the Beacon at around 8.30am, quiet for now but awaiting the first of four Proms concerts which begin on Saturday.
The parade made its way around the fountains on Friday morning – photo: Martin Booth
Simon Wales has only been the chief executive of Bristol Beacon for five days and was part of the parade.
“What a way to start a new job with the BBC Proms arriving in town,” he said.
“We’ve got such fantastic spaces here and I’m really looking forward to the Paraorchestra because they are one of our associate artists.
“This is already their home venue – a space where they can create and develop their projects, so it’s very exciting.”
So how did Wales find the morning? “I really enjoyed it! This is what I’m here for, displays just like that.”
Wales added: “It was lovely, the sun even came out and we had some lovely reactions from people as we walked past them. It was the perfect start to the weekend.”
There is also already talk about the Proms returning.
“We are already talking to the Proms about what the future might hold, certainly for next year but even beyond that,” said Wales.
“This is new for everyone involved and we will have to find out how this works this weekend, but the concerts have sold really, really well and we are all excited for what is to come.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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