Dazzling Start

Against the breathtaking backdrop of Arundel Castle, the band performed a varied programme of popular and not so well-known pieces, under the baton of Pipe Major John Spoore.

And the thousands of picnickers assembled in the open air theatre were certainly not disappointed.

Opening with Strauss's upbeat Radetzky March, the band continued in the same vein, bringing a smile to everyone's face with tunes such as The Sun Has Got His Hat On, Thunder and Lightning Polka and Sussex By The Sea.

A taste of things to come was offered at the end of the first half, with a mini firework display, accompanied by a selection of John Williams' excellent Star Wars themes.

Umbrellas were brought out in the second half, but not, I'm pleased to report, due to any sudden downpour.

No, the rain stayed away and spirits ran high as Henry Wood's famous Fantasia on British Sea Songs was played with gusto.

Looking around, it was hard not to grin at the sight of umbrellas bobbing up and down, in front of the illuminated castle.

Earlier on, Pipe Major Spoore couldn't resist paraphrasing the great Stan Kenton when introducing his soloist, to much hearty laughter.

"I let him bring the music down because he thinks it gives him class, he can't actually read it, though!"

But joking apart, the soloists were magnificent playing as they did the classic Makin' Whoopee and Trumpet Blues and Cantabile.

A stunning journey down the River Thames followed in a brilliant arrangement which must have sent a few tingles down a few thousand spines.

And it would have taken a hard heart not to be genuinely moved by the band's performance of Jerusalem, complemented by the singing of us dewey-eyed picnickers.

Then, from the castle turret, came the sound of a lone piper as a cascade of sparklers tumbled from the battlements, heralding the beginning of a dazzling fireworks display.

Accompanied by William Walton's Crown Imperial and more than a few gasps from the crowd, the display was stunning to say the least.

Credit goes to Frontier Fireworks and West Sussex County Council, for the huge part they played in making the evening such an unquestionable success.

And if you missed it this year, make a note in your diary for next year. I promise you won't regret it!

For more on the festival and a whole host of pictures, see the Gazette, August 29.