ANOTHER sell-out Last Night of the Proms open air concert attracted praise from townspeople and visitors from as far afield as Australia.

The concert on The Grove on Saturday evening gave a rousing send-off to the third Ilkley Summer Festival, with the help of a folk band, operatic singers, a pianist and a brass band. The event was organised and funded by Ilkley Parish Council as a contribution to the summer festival.

The concert's reputation is so high that people were queuing outside Ilkley Tourist Information Centre the day tickets went on sale, and after the tickets sold out, a waiting list was set up for those hoping to get hold of any unwanted tickets.

Traditionally, those without tickets sit on the sidelines, outside of the seating area on The Grove, which was closed to traffic. Among those who came to listen in to the music were an appreciative group of visitors from Australia, and a concert-goer from Manchester has promised to return next year with a group of friends to enjoy the concert.

The entertainment began with the recently re-formed light-hearted folk band Fox Corner, featuring parish councillor David Roberts. The band used to be Pennine Radio regulars some years ago, and recently got back together.

A selection of popular arias and lighter songs were performed by South African soprano Amanda Echalaz, who recently competed in the prestigious Cardiff Singer of the World competition, and young baritone Neil Baker. They were accompanied by pianist Martyn Parkes, who also played solo.

The evening was rounded off with some of the old Last Night of the Proms favourites, courtesy of the Marsden Silver Prize Band, followed by a fireworks display put on by the Ilkley Summer Festival organisers.

Organiser and Ilkley Parish Council chairman, Councillor Mike Gibbons, said he was pleased to see people enjoying the concert, waving flags, and some- standing on their chairs to sing along to the band.

Once again, the weather was good, despite advice from organisers to come prepared for rain.

Councillor Gibbons said: "The weather was very kind to us again and I think everyone seemed to have a thoroughly splendid time."

He says another concert, in August 2006, is already looking likely.