Sefton Council has labelled the Southport Summer Classics a resounding success.
M People and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra entertained thousands at Victoria Park at the weekend.
The resort's Victoria Park was the venue for two fantastic evenings of entertainment including pop, dance, opera and classical music.
First up on Friday was Liverpool band The Christians, and frontman Gary Christian wowed the crowds with classic hits and some new material, which was well received by an enthusiastic crowd.
Fans were then treated to an impressive set by Manchester-based group M People Live, who had the audience up on their feet and dancing the night away.
The Saturday concert saw the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO), led by conductor Vasily Petrenko, take to the stage playing some all-time classical favourites.
Radio Merseyside Presenter Roger Phillips compered the night as music fans enjoyed picnics and drinks to the excellent sound of the renowned orchestra.
Former Savio High School pupil George Gallagher also took to the stage with the RLPO and received a standing ovation after performing a solo song from Les Miserables. Special guest was soprano Natasha Marsh.
Young people from primary and secondary schools across Sefton presented a specially-written opera, 'ITOKU', composed by Lin Marsh, mother of Natasha.
The opera, which was based on a story by Formby High School student Chloe Spence, debuted at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral earlier this year and was performed at the Summer Classics ahead of the RLPO show.
To round off the RLPO concert, the audience raised flags and waved and the evening ended to a fabulous fireworks finale released to the sound of music that lit up the skies of Southport.
Cllr Lord Ronnie Fearn, Sefton's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: "The Southport Summer Classics is an excellent event for people of all ages to enjoy. This year's event was a real celebration of the North West with performers from Liverpool, Manchester and of course, Sefton.
"The beautiful weather ensured relaxing evenings of music and it was fantastic to see people enjoying themselves with picnics in this delightful park.
"A magical musical weekend was enjoyed by all - and there is more to come in Sefton with a host of top events for everyone to enjoy."
As part of Sefton's celebrations for the year of Capital of Culture, further events this year include a bigger Southport Airshow, in partnership with Liverpool John Lennon Airport; the British Musical Fireworks Champion of Champions event and Southport Comedy Week.
For further information about events in Sefton, log onto www.visitsouthport.com
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