Despite driving rain and freezing cold winds, hundreds of people turned out to enjoy Proms on the Pitch at Macclesfield Town Football Club, even though some of the fun had to happen indoors.

However, the main stage and 60-piece Proms Symphony Orchestra weathered the storm, and the crowd were treated to a rousing concert of Proms classics that included the 1812 Overture and Rule Britannia, sung by soloist Cressida Sharp complete with union flag wrapped around her shoulders, keeping her warm.

Enthusiastic members of the audience moved closer to shelter under the canopy of the stage, making it feel more like a festival at times than a classical concert. Bollington resident Jane Whitfield was there with her husband David and two daughters, Rachael (10) and Juliet (6).

“It was a brilliant day, even though the weather was dreadful. The girls loved everything, the music, the arts and crafts, the stilt walkers and the solo superstar singers too, who were just fantastic. People really got into the spirit of the occasion. It was huge fun and a day none of us will ever forget: my fingers and toes won’t, that’s for sure!”

Mike Rance, Chairman of Macclesfield Town Football Club, says: “In the end it was something of a triumph of spirit over adversity! On a day that was far more Winterfest than Barnaby (it was several degrees warmer in Greenland!) we managed to stage a thoroughly professional event that was a credit to everyone involved. And despite the appalling weather I’m certain that most of those hardy souls that braved the elements will have gone home with fond memories of their Jubilee.”

“The weather conditions were certainly a challenge,” says conductor, Nicholas Smith. “But I was working with 60 superb musicians, who took it in their stride. It always helps when the audience get behind you and they certainly did on this occasion: for such a cold day, we got a tremendously warm reception.”

Proms organiser, Brad Snelling, says: “It was really heart warming to hear this beautiful music on such a foul day. You couldn’t help but smile, watching people as they waltzed around the pitch and joined in singing Rule Britannia. There was a real Dunkirk spirit and I hope people went away feeling they’d experienced something quite unique: it certainly felt like that as we were pegging the music sheets to their stands in the driving rain!”

Proms on the Pitch took place at Macclesfield Town Football Club on Sunday 3 June, as part of the town’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.