YORK’S Museum Gardens is to host a Proms concert next summer.

Local husband and wife team Jonathan Fewtrell and Rebecca Newman - who made music history when Rebecca’s album Dare to Dream went to number 1 in the official classical albums chart as a self-released artist - are behind the idea for the ambitious event on Sunday, July 9.

They say it will involve an open air picnic concert celebrating the ‘most popular classical music ever written’, with a rousing proms finale, Champagne, strawberries and much more.

It will also raise money for York Museums Trust, which operates the gardens along with York Castle Museum, the Yorkshire Museum, York Art Gallery and York St Mary’s.

It will be the first such event in the gardens since 2012. 

Jonathan said: “This is a very exciting event to add to York’s calendar of events and will be something enjoyed both by locals and those who like to travel to York for a few days away.

“I’ve worked alongside Rebecca for a number of years and seen how fantastic these outdoor picnic style concerts can be, and have always been surprised York doesn’t have one.

“We have never been people who sit and wait for things to happen, so we decided to take on the challenge to launch the York Proms ourselves.

“After looking at potential venues for some time we are really pleased to go into partnership with the York Museum Trust to secure such a beautiful, central setting in York, which will make for a truly magical event.”

Rebecca, who will host the concert, said she was in talks with local and international artists but was also keen to involve local talent.

York Press:

“It’s very important that we have great links with the local community and we have some fantastic ideas to get local talent and suppliers involved with the event,” she said.

Mike Woodward, chief operating officer at the trust, said: “The event promises to be a relaxing summer’s evening of fantastic music in the beautiful setting of York Museum Gardens.”

The musical line up is currently being finalised, with tickets going on sale at 9am on December 10.

The early bird price until December 31 is £29.50 for adults, £12 for children 3-16, and £80 for a family ticket. Go to www.yorkproms.com for more information.