The Shipston Proms has been wowing audiences again in Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, and surrounding villages after a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the 22nd running of this full event, though a
From Dusk 'til Dawn from Newbury on the Shipston Proms stage
Shipston Proms music trail did take place in September 2021. The Proms event takes place over 15 days with a launch event with Uncle Fun’s Disco Inferno at the Townsend Hall.
To see a full selection of images: Street Party Images
The event tagline is from Classical to Heavy Rock with other genres such as folk, blues, and Americana to name a few.
The headliners this year were the brilliant Rick Parfitt Jnr and the RPJ Band, with Rick being the son of the late Status Quo singer/songwriter Rick Parfitt. Rick was having a weekend off from piloting his British Touring Car Championship Infiniti Q50.
They were supported by The Shapes who are a nine piece band from Oxford. They write and play a unique upbeat indie sound and From Dusk ‘Til Dawn a 5 piece classic rock band from Newbury. The evening started with the two Shipston Introducing winners, Teresa Brooks with her Taiko drumming and The Weekend Warriors who are a mix of mostly kids and their dads.
The Shapes live on the Street Party stage on the last night of the Shipston Proms 2022
Early gems were Blues & Americana guitarists and singer Greg Brice, live at the Halford Bridge Inn, and The Elastic Band live at The Lion, Tredington.
Greg Brice live at the Halford Bridge Inn for Shipston Proms 2022
There are some events that are a staple of the program including Mrs. Porter’s Chamberpot Pouri, the local Primary School’s concert, and the Young Musicians Concert at St. Martin’s Church, Barcheston.
Elastic Band live at The Lion, Tredington for Shipston Proms 2022
Also, there are two Open Mic nights with Barney Porter hosting one at The Black Horse, where 10-year-old Sam Conisbee wowed the audience with his electric guitar playing including a song from Link Wray. The other Open Mic was a folk affair hosted by Keith Finlay and Celtic band BRIMSTONE.
For this year a Shipston Introducing contest was hosted by El Café with the winner of the single/duet category being Teresa Brookes with her strong Taiko drumming. She said her interest in drumming originated from her love of sport and music and Japanese drumming combined the two, and the group category was won by The Weekend Warriors which is a mix and children and their fathers with the band comprised
The Pips live at The Lazy Pug, Shipston for Shipston Proms 2022
of family friends 13 yr old Gilly Harris who played drums, 12 year old Joseph Noble on bass and 12 year old Louis Cummings on keyboard and vocals together with dads Ben Cummings, trumpeter, and David Noble, guitar.
Another favorite is the Songs from the Shows evening at the Townsend Hall run by Helen Porter, and MC’ed by Tim Porter, with a local set of excellent singers of all ages.
