Two years after my first visit to BBC Proms In The Park, this year, courtesy of my company, I went again. Whilst two years ago, we were bathed in sunshine, how different it was this time round. It pretty much rained all evening. But not that it dampened any spirits. Just as much singing along to the Last Night of Proms was going on, and the once-a-year demonstration of British Patriotism took place with all the heart that has ever existed in this country. Stoked by the potential of an Ashes cricketing win, the noise of several tens of thousands in Hyde Park made a loud roar. It’s always an experience, particularly to any foreigner who’s not familiar with it (this year, my guest, Annie, enjoyed the eclectic behaviour of thousands of Brits).
The Last Night of the Proms is a quaint event, to say the least. The end of the British Empire fade away decades ago, but a century old tradition continues, where we sing songs of the prowess of the British Navy. No one is under the illusion that Britain is like it was in its empiric days, in fact much of it is an example of British sarcasm at its best. We have no empire any more, but let’s pretend we did. Britain can no more take over the seas or land like it used to. Heck, until this year, we almost certainly beat our ‘prisoners’ at a game of cricket…
Talking of which, the Ashes reach a climax in a day’s time. And England could win the series, which has been the most exciting series for a very long time. Go England!
Tagged: Friends, Random London