AFTER an award-winning debut, the York Proms picnic concert will return for an ambitious second year with more than 100 performers in the Museum

Gardens on June 30.

A rousing evening of patriotic and nostalgic music from the world of classical, opera, musicals and films will be rounded off with a fireworks finale as organiser Rebecca Fewtrell – classical chart-topping York soprano Rebecca Newman – looks to match the first year's sell-out success when £10,000 was raised for charity.

"We're so excited about how the second year is shaping up," says Rebecca. "We have a bigger stage, a second choir stage to seat a 90-strong choir, more fireworks, more caterers and more performers, with most of them being from Yorkshire. The stages will be using the raised terrace in front of the Yorkshire Museum as a natural stage and making the most of the façade of the building, with the fireworks launched behind the Abbey Ruins.

"The first year was a chance for us to find our feet and see how the gardens would work as a venue for this event, but this year is set to be better than I ever imagined it could be.”

Performers will include guest soloists Rebecca Newman, international operatic tenor Vasili Karpiak and an expanded Austonley Brass, a Huddersfield group who performed last year. "In addition, the main show will feature a large choir, Ewa Salecka's Prima Vocal Ensemble, from York, who will be stepping into that role to impress the crowd with their own pieces, as well as supporting the soloists and helping to lead the Proms' finale songs," says Rebecca.

Eager to return to the York Proms, Garrath Beckwith, of Austonley Brass, says: "We were very keen to be involved again after such an enjoyable event last year, where so much hard work went into launching such an ambitious event.

"We’ve been working hard with the organisers to put together a programme people will love, including pieces with a very British, nostalgic feel. There will be lots of pomp and circumstance and, importantly, lots of fun."

Rebecca will be taking a more active role on stage this time. "I had to take a step back from performing the first year because I was only six weeks away from the due date for my first baby!" she says, now mother to Logan. "I performed one solo to keep those people happy who had already booked tickets and accommodation to come to see me, but I’m looking forward to taking on the full role of guest soprano this year.

"Last year’s event was fantastic and the atmosphere was just incredible. Seeing so many music lovers coming together to enjoy music and the beautiful gardens was really memorable”.

Rebecca reached the number one spot in the classical albums charts in 2014 after starting out as a busker in York in 2005. She has performed with Alfie Boe, Russell Watson and Aled Jones and been featured on BBC1, ITV, BBC Radio 2, Classic FM and Sky TV. Vasili Karpiak, a tenor based in London, has sung in some of the world’s finest opera houses and and will be making his York debut. Prima Vocal Ensemble have toured overseas and tackled some challenging repertoire, as well as keeping a sense of fun with their lighter material under the direction of Ewa Salecka.

Ticket are on sale at yorkproms.com, on 08453 881 881 or in person at the Visit York Visitor Information Centre in Museum Street. The gates will open at 5pm, or 4.30pm for fast track and disabled ticket holders, with the main evening show starting at 7.30pm, followed by a fireworks finale.

"The stage has been upgraded to almost triple the size of the first year and a catering marquee will house lots of local suppliers offering fantastic tasty treats," says Rebecca. "Luxury picnic hampers will again be available to order in advance from one month before the event. More information can be found on the website."