By Andy Simon

So here we are, once again.

We have reached that time when we must say goodnight; & goodbye, to the BBC Proms for yet another year. And what a delicious, delightful musical feast it has been.

I cannot tell you how happy my middle aged lug-holes have been during the last two months.

And now; as Autumn is almost upon us, and the nights are drawing in, what better way could you find, to celebrate the passing of summer and to herald in the new season, than the Last Night of the Proms.

Scientists & Weather Forecasters; are in my opinion, a bit too neat and tidy for my liking. And if I may say; sometimes, a little dull.

They like the yearly seasons to begin at the beginning of the chosen month. Spring: March 1st,Summer: June 1st etc.

The Pagans & Traditionalists are just the same. Only they like their equinoxes to begin on the 21st day of the chosen month.

All well and good I suppose. Each to their own I say.

But when it comes to the Autumn, we ought be a little . . . different?

We need the Summer to go with a bang!

To go with a rousing chorus, with all the bells and whistles It can muster, and with a reassuring reminder that in spite of all this wonderful, controversial and indeed, rich diversity, be it musical, political, cultural, religious or ethnic, that surround us all every day throughout the year . . . we're still British.

And the Last Night of the Proms; in my opinion, helps me to feel precisely that.

As I mentioned earlier, this year's Proms has been one of the best I've heard in years. And trust me; I've heard a few in my time.

For those who have already read my previous review on the first night, will know how I was brought up on this stuff, thanks to my dear Mum. And she would have enjoyed this Prom Season just as much as I have. It really has been an absolute belter.

Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, and Love in general have been the primary themes throughout this year's BBC Prom season.

The highlights for me were many. But I won't bore you with them. Suffice to say that if you have not tuned in to watch nor indeed, listened on BBC Radio 3 during the last two months . . .then you have truly, missed a treat.

But all that can be forgiven, providing of course; that you tune in for the Proms' climatic closure, to what has been perceived by many I'm sure, as one of the best Proms in many years.

I'm certain that all the usual "Last Night" favourites will be heard, like Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March (Land Of Hope & Glory) Thomas Ame's Rule Brittania, Hubert Parry's Jerusalem, and if we're really REALLY lucky . . .

We will get to hear Sir Henry Wood's Fantasia on British Sea Songs. After which there is only Auld Lang Syne followed by God Save The Queen to finish off a splendid evening.

But the real highlight of the night for me at least, will be George Butterworth's "The Banks of Green Willow".

You have simply got to listen to that.

It's very, very beautiful; trust me. And it's a personal favourite of mine for this reason.

I used to have an old recording of Richard Adams' Watership Down, read by that brilliant actor, Roy Dotrice. Mum and I spent many weekends listening to it, being as it was a particular favourite story of hers. And the music which was used to accompany Roy's brilliant narration, was that of George Butterworth's.

And that particular piece (The Banks Of Green Willow) which was used in the Dotrice recording, was an absolute favourite of ours.

And I have a suspicion that somewhere among those stars above me, Mum had a hand in this Last Night Of The Proms.

Perhaps to remind me of those weekends, now long past? I'm not sure. She may have just sneaked in Green Willow; just for herself? Who knows.

Whatever the reason; thanks Mum.

So why not tune in, and join me, along with a glass or three of your favourite tipple and send off the summer in style, with a rousing chorus of Rule Brittania, Jerusalem, Sea Songs, and a whole host of other wonderful music, that is not only an absolute must on such a special occasion, but also, and most importantly, very typical and indeed; very traditional, for such a night, as the Last Night, of the Proms.

You will be in very good company, and I pretty much guarantee; that you will be very glad you took the time, to tune in.

So until the 123rd, Proms season, so long, farewell, and most of all . . .

Rule Brittania!

Thanks for reading.

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