Silsden Proms on the Farm raises £5,000 for local charities

Thursday, 24 July 2025 19:32

Hundreds of people gathered for an evening of music and and community spirit at Silsden Proms on the Farm 2025, held in the town last weekend (Saturday 19th July).

Now a firm fixture in the local calendar, this year’s event raised an impressive £5,000, which will be shared between Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and Silsden Methodist Church.

The evening featured live music from Hot Aire Concert Band, local soprano April Elizabeth and The 1960 Four playing sing-a-long hits from the sixties. The award-winning Tewit Silver Band led the dancing and flag-waving with their Last Night of the Proms-themed performance including favourites Land of Hope and Glory, Jerusalem and Rule Britannia as they were joined by vocalists April Elizabeth and Sarah Halstead.

As always, Proms-goers brought their own decorated gazebos, adding colour to the event. Judges awarded the Best-Dressed Gazebo prize to a Pyjama Party themed gazebo, while The Farmers’ Market gazebo was named runner-up.

Fundraising activities included a bottle tombola, raffle and super raffle - featuring prizes donated by individuals and local businesses.

Silsden Proms on the Farm’s lead organiser William Jowitt said:

“Despite the poor weather forecast we were delighted by the turnout and the atmosphere this year with many saying it was our best event for several years.

“Proms on the Farm is all about bringing people together for a good time and raising money for good causes – and thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, including many local businesses and individuals, we’ve raised a fantastic total for two charities that mean a lot to the community.”

Silsden resident and local MP Robbie Moore officially opened the event and partied long into the night with colleagues. Speaking in the House of Commons this week he praised event organisers:

“The BBC definitely has competition, because Silsden Proms on the Farm was a roaring success for another year running. I pay tribute to William and Eileen Jowitt and their team of volunteers who put that fantastic event together, raising money for Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice and the Silsden Methodist Church. I know that many who attended that fantastic music event visited Olive & Green and Isherwoods butchers beforehand to ensure that their picnics were as good as they could be!”

Plans are already underway for the 2026 Silsden Proms, which will take place on Saturday 18th July. See promsonthefarm.co.uk for more details.

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