Hundreds of people braved the downpours last weekend for Silsden Proms on the Farm, helping to raise £5,000 for Manorlands Hospice and the town’s Methodist Church.
Spirits weren’t dampened by the weather, with gazebos and a sea of umbrellas helping to keep people dry.
Attendees enjoyed music from the award-winning Tewit Silver Band who led the Proms-style celebrations with local singers Sarah Halstead and April Elizabeth. The Hot Aire Concert band made their Silsden Proms debut, while favourites The 1960 Four helped to encourage revellers to dance in the rain long into the night.
There was a great effort as usual to decorate gazebos, with a Harry Potter-themed entry coming runner-up to a cowboy-themed Wild West gazebo.
Local businesses and organisations supported the event with sponsorship as well as donating items for the charity auction and raffle.
The £5,000 will be split between Silsden Methodist Church and Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.
Lead organiser William Jowitt said: “A huge thank you to everyone who braved the rain to come out and support the event again this year. It just goes to show what hardy folk we are in Silsden!
“We were delighted to see so many people there again this year to support our two charities, and we’re indebted to the businesses, organisations and individuals who gave their time, services or money to help make the Proms such a big success once again.
“We’ve already booked next year’s event for Saturday 20th July 2024. We’re already hoping for sunshine but at least we now know that Silsden and the surrounding area will turn out to support the Proms, whatever the weather!”
The judging for Best Dressed Gazebo was done by Silsden Town Mayor Cllr Mags Croft and Deputy Mayor Cllr Rebecca Whittaker. Prizes were presented by Robbie Moore MP who also helped out on the night by selling raffle tickets and formally opening the evening’s entertainment.
Robbie Moore said: “As a Silsden resident, it was a real pleasure to be invited along to open this year’s event. It may have poured but that did not dampen Silsden spirits at all!
“A massive well done to all who were involved in organising Silsden Proms on the Farm, and a special thanks to lead organiser William Jowitt and to Stuart Clarkson from Rombalds Radio who was an excellent compere for the evening.
“All money raised from the evening went to Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and to Silsden Methodist Church - so thank you all who came along, bought raffle tickets, took part in the auction, and donated. I urge all to get involved next year!”
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