More than 4,200 music lovers packed out the Owain Glyndwr playing fields on Saturday night to enjoy the BBC Proms in the Park concert.
It was the first time the town had successfully held the event, which marked the Last Night of the Proms, after torrential rain had washed out last year’s concert.
This year the weather held and the crowd was treated to a musical extravaganza from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, soprano Elin Manahan Thomas and tenor Andrew Staples.
Mr Staples was a last minute replacement for singer Wynne Evans with the star of the Go Compare adverts pulling out due to illness.
I’m really sorry, but I’ve totally lost my voice due to a simple cold, I’m gutted but I’ve had to pull out of tonight’s proms in Caerphilly
— Wynne Evans (@wynneevans) September 8, 2012
Performances of the drinking song from Verdi’s La Traviata and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice gt the crowd warmed up for a second half singing session of You’ll Never Walk Alone from the musical Carousel.
The rendition of the Rodgers and Hammerstein show tune – a favourite with Liverpool football fans – was broadcast on national television as part of a live link-up with London and other Proms in the Park concerts around the UK.
There was also a performance by BBC Young Musician of the Year Laura van der Heijden on Cello.
Cllr Harry Andrews, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “This prestigious event was a huge success and the weather was absolutely perfect. The wonderful location, in the shadow of Caerphilly Castle provided a fitting backdrop for the world class performances on stage.
“We were delighted with the huge turnout, and the enthusiasm of the crowd helped create a truly uplifting atmosphere enjoyed by people of all ages.”
Resident Shirley Woodman, 77, of Cae Caradog, praised the concert’s atmosphere.
She said: “Last year we got washed out, but here we are with the sun and everyone is singing.
“We’ve had lovely performances and lovely music. The atmosphere here is fantastic.”
Reaction on Twitter was equally enthusiastic.
Proms in the park Caerphilly was fantastic! #BBC proms @visitcaerphilly twitter.com/Lellybells25/s…
— Michele Gummett (@Lellybells25) September 8, 2012
Thank you @bbcwales and @bbcnow for a lovely night at #PromsInThePark #Caerphilly.It is the official end of Summer now.
— Dave Jones (@welsh_gas_doc) September 8, 2012
@visitcaerphillythanks #caerphilly for a great #proms twitter.com/tyniem/status/…
— Emma Thomas (@tyniem) September 9, 2012
@scourf14 No toffs in Caerphilly. Proms in the Park rocked. Of course, we put our own welsh spin on it. #rudenotto #eclectictastes
— Kath Newton (@Katie2Tall) September 9, 2012
great night @bbcnow at Proms in the Park in Caerphilly. No rain, great crowd, fab orchestra, and classy soloists!
— Tecwyn Evans (@evansthd) September 9, 2012
What a truly fantastic night at the BBC Proms in the Park!! Thankyou Caerphillyfor the welcome and the brilliant sing song. Xxx
— Alex Jones (@MissAlexjones) September 8, 2012