The final three nights of Wight Proms showcased all things British — including comedy, rock music, musical theatre and a flag-waving finale.
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Friday: A Wight Laugh with Julian Clary, as watched by Lori Little
Those who diced with danger by sitting in the front few rows to see Julian Clary were rewarded by being well and truly picked on — and they all loved it.
The funnyman, who kept describing himself in tabloid vernacular as "the comedian and renowned homosexual" lived up to his reputation as a king of shock (but also national treasure).
He did worry his Isle of Wight audience might not be up for his brand of comedy, joking "anything more exciting than a sparkler and you might hyperventilate" but we were made of sterner stuff.
There was nothing too offensive — but of course plenty of the "tsunami of smut" stuff he revels in (that was how a previous reviewer described his show, much to his delight).
His on-stage reverse conversion therapy saw him attempt to turn some of the straight males in the audience gay. Only time will tell if he was successful!
The evening kickstarted with fantastic Island covers band The Rockafellas, who came back to finish the night after Julian Clary's set.
They had most of the audience up dancing, rounding off a fun night out.
Saturday: Wight at the Musicals, as watched by Lori Little
An attentive audience proved the popularity of Wight at the Musicals — from the resounding applause to the moments you could have heard a pin drop, such was the concentration and collective holding of breath.
Duo frontmen Jonathan Ansell, of G4, and Jai McDowell, 2011 winner of Britain's Got Talent, have been touring together and brought their show to Wight Proms.
Their on-stage chemistry and good choice of songs made for a successful evening.
They chose to perform a selection from Moulin Rouge, Greatest Showman and Les Miserables, among others.
Jonathan's rendition of Bring Him Home was the pinnacle of "pin drop" moments — simply beautiful.
Another highlight was Music of the Night.
The evening finished off with a Queen medley and the audience were certainly left hoping The Show Must Go On.
Sunday: Last Wight of the Proms
The flag-waving finale was a traditional affair of pomp, circumstance..... and picnics.
The Wight Proms Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Butcher, performed alongside vocal harmony group G4.
It was a Wight Proms debut for G4 and a special moment for them as G4 member Mike Christie is the event organiser and lives on the Island.
The event was a complete sell-out.
The Wight Proms team said: "Thank you so much to everyone who supported our Wight Proms festival this year.
"We've had an amazing week, and can't wait to do it all again in 2023...dates for the diary, August 15 to 20, 2023."
Read our reviews of the Wight Proms' Horrible Histories, Opera and Pride events.
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