Nearly £5,500 was raised by Mountbatten Isle of Wight staff and volunteers at Proms '25, on Saturday, 26 July, at Robin Hill Adventure Park.

The organisers of the inaugural event delivered an evening of memorable music, including by accomplished soprano, Thea Callaghan, whose rich and elegant vocals opened the evening.

Medina Community Choir's heartfelt performance was followed by the arrival of the amazing Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, led by Enyi Okpara. Their impressive repertoire included the theme to Jurassic Park and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance No.1, before an epic finale saw fireworks light up the sky, to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

£5,443 was raised on the night, by the hospice charity’s dedicated volunteers selling flashing sunflower headbands and beautiful crochet blankets, handcrafted by talented members of the Knit and Natter group, which meets regularly at Newport's John Cheverton Centre in Newport.

Photos by Sienna Anderson.

Organisers thanked a host of businesses for their support, including Robin Hill Adventure Park, Red Funnel, Blueline Security, Heron Smoke House, The Social Picnic, Plaza Ices, Duxmore Botanics, Jubilee Fireworks, Isle of Wight Film Fixers, Complete Production Solutions Group, Gigtent, Coast & Country, ICR Systems, PC Consultants, B&Q and Sydenhams.

Paul Cox, event director, said. "A huge thank you to our wonderful audience, who fully embraced the Proms experience, created the most incredible atmosphere and showed unwavering support for Mountbatten Isle of Wight. We can’t wait to come back bigger and better next year!”

“To look out at a sea of flashing Mountbatten Isle of Wight sunflower headbands while listening to the incredible sound of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra was a treat,” said Nigel Hartley, MBE, CEO of Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

Nigel added: “Thank you to the organisers. Thank you too, to those who donated on the night, supporting our vital expert staff to continue their work. Your support means so much, especially at a time when our NHS funding is facing a challenging time.”

John Smith, co-owner of Robin Hill Adventure Park, said: “Huge thanks to everyone who came along and supported Mountbatten Hospice through this event.”