THOUSANDS of music fans filled the lawns at Castle Howard to enjoy a music and fireworks spectacular at the weekend.

Two very different evenings of musical entertainment, a Last Night of the Proms classical evening and a West End musical extravaganza, were sponsored by the Evening Press.

A flypast by a Second World War Spitfire, accompanied by flag waving and cheering, was the highlight of Saturday night's Last Night of the Proms concert for many.

While storms and showers blew over just in time for thousands of people to enjoy last night's West End musicals.

The audience filled Castle Howard's lawns with chairs and picnic tables laden with food, wine, balloons and even the odd candelabra.

And the historic country house formed a stunning backdrop with its natural grass amphitheatre, complete with wonderful view - a fine location for the two warm summer evenings.

Saturday night's programme included all the classical greats and finished with the rousing patriotism of Jerusalem, Elgar's Pomp And Circumstance No.1 and, of course, Land Of Hope And Glory.

Flags sold quickly and the audience, in best suits and dresses, sang their appreciation.

Last night's programme, entitled Some Enchanted Evening after the South Pacific hit, featured a selection of numbers from West End musicals.

They included Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom Of The Opera, a Rodgers and Hammerstein medley, Les Miserables and even Abba songs from the West End musical success, Mamma Mia.

Both days ended with a noisy fireworks display over the castle's lakes, a colourful end to two great evenings of musical entertainment.

Updated: 11:38 Monday, August 20, 2001