Despite the temperamental and inclement weather, last night’s picnic concert at the beautiful Westonbirt Arboretum was far from being a total wash-out…

Along with the singing group All Angels and Anthony Inglis conducting the National Symphony Orchestra, Vanessa Mae and her band brought an adventure of violin music from around the world as well as a number of tunes she is more famous for playing, including the electric Hocus Pocus, Vangelis’ Roxanne’s Veil from the film Alexander, Toccata And Fugue In D Minor and finishing with Vivaldi’s Summer Part 3 from the Four Seasons, which was accompanied by a fireworks display that would rival even that of Disney’s Wishes Fireworks Spectacular at the Magic Kingdom.

Even a broken foot pedal didn’t stop Vanessa from entertaining the wet and cold crowd who had put up with intermittent rain from 7.30pm until just before 10pm. It is worth noting that Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra had a big part to play in keeping the crowd’s spirits up when they invited audience participation with sing-a-long performances to both Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory and a hand clapping rendition of the Sailor’s Hornpipe.

It’s been a while since Vanessa Mae’s played in the UK, but last night proved that she still has a strong fan base here as well as the obvious talent to headline such events… Hopefully it won’t be too long until we see a new album, nor will it be so long until she’s on stage again where she clearly belongs…

To all those involved in bringing the concert together, especially Vanessa Mae and her band – thank you…