Bungay's historic St Mary's Church resonated to the sound of a brass quintet, soprano and patriotic songs sung lustily by the large audience as the Town Reeve staged a Land of Hope and Glory evening.

Eastern Daily Press: Town Reeve Mary Sprake with the Kensington Brass Quintet, soprano Georgia Mae Ellis and organist Tim Patient. Picture: Terry Reeve.Town Reeve Mary Sprake with the Kensington Brass Quintet, soprano Georgia Mae Ellis and organist Tim Patient. Picture: Terry Reeve. (Image: Archant)

Over 250 people were there, some dressed in Last Night of the Proms costumes, and helped to create an atmospheric scene as they waved Union Jack flags and sung Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem as the concert reached its climax.

The Kensington Brass Quintet, formed in 2011 by students of the Royal College of Music, presented a number of classical overtures, preludes and suites, and also a selection from West Side Story. They were well received by the audience. The Kensington Brass, who also play with up to 10 musicians, have played professionally throughout the UK and Europe, some of them with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tim Patient, a well known organist in the eastern region, played three items on the church organ, including the delightful Hornpipe Humoresque, and also accompanied solo soprano Georgia Mae Ellis. She sung four items, including works by Gluck, Faure and Schumann, and Ivor Novello's hauntingly beautiful We'll Gather Lilacs.

Georgia is currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, and has been involved in professional opera. From the age of 14 she has been part of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Eastern Daily Press: The scene in the church as the concert reached its climax. Picture: Terry Reeve.The scene in the church as the concert reached its climax. Picture: Terry Reeve. (Image: Archant)

All contributed to a memorable and highly successful evening, got together by Town Reeve Mary Sprake, with the help and support of Jason Collins, and donations from 10 local businesses and individuals.

Mrs Sprake said she was delighted with how the event went and the support it received from concert-goers from a wide area. Proceeds from it will go towards her Town Reeve's Appeal to support the Ditchingham Men's Shed project, which is seeking to set up premises at the Maltings Meadow at Ditchingham.

Men's Sheds are a modern and growing organisation, aimed at helping men come to terms with retirement, as well as addressing health and well-being issues for men.

TERRY REEVE