John Williams: The Master, Friday 1 August, Portsmouth Guildhall Square 

The Friday night extravaganza in Portsmouth’s central square celebrates the music of the brilliant composer John Williams. The full Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will perform iconic tracks under the baton of conductor Pete Harrison from some of the greatest big screen classics including Star Wars, Jurassic Park, JFK, Jaws, Harry Potter, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List, ET, Raiders of the Lost Ark and many, many more.

Taking place outdoors on Portsmouth Guildhall Square’s steps, attendees are invited to bring a chair or pick a spot on the steps to watch the evening’s entertainment. An electric atmosphere is guaranteed, and the exciting night will end with a fantastic finale!

Gates open at 6pm and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy alongside the music.

The Music of ABBA: Saturday 2 August, Portsmouth Guildhall Square 

Join the BSO for a brilliant second night of music in Portsmouth as they bring the music of hit band ABBA to life! The full Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will again be in attendance with a quartet of West End Singers to perform tracks such as Waterloo, SOS, Knowing Me Knowing You, Chiquitita, Voulez Vous, Super Trooper, Fernando, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and many, many more.

Fancy dress is encouraged, so dig out your flares and come prepared to dance. There’ll definitely be a party atmosphere and the night will end with a magnificent finale, accompanied by fireworks off the Guildhall roof.

Gates open at 6pm and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy alongside the music.

Classical Extravaganza 2.0: Friday 8 August 2025, 8pm, Meyrick Park Bournemouth 

The BSO’s Calleva Assistant Conductor Enyi Okpara leads an evening of the best symphonic music in the world at Meyrick Park, Bournemouth. Classic pieces played will include The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – immortalised by Mickey Mouse in Disney’s Fantasia – Tchaikovsky’s rousing Polonaise and Waltz from Eugene Onegin, Borodin’s fiery Polovtsian Dances and instantly recognisable pieces by Dvořák, Sibelius and Elgar, as well as music from film maestro John Williams.

Gates open at 6pm and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy alongside the music.

Symphonic Smash Hits – the 80s! Saturday 9 August, Meyrick Park Bournemouth 

On Saturday night we’ll be playing 80s smash hits with music from the fabulous era — you can expect a symphonic party of smash hits from the era of new romantics, big hair and even bigger shoulder pads! Classic tracks will feature some of the biggest hits of the decade by Madonna, Toto, Ultravox, Elton John, Bonnie Tyler, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, A-Ha, George Michael and many more.  And there’ll be a fantastic fireworks finale to finish proceedings as well as a pyrotechnic display!

Gates open at 6pm and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy alongside the music.

Getting to Portsmouth Guildhall Square

Walking: Portsmouth Guildhall Square is located in Portsmouth Town Centre and easily accessible by foot from the centre.

Driving: From Bournemouth (check) take the M275 into the City and follow the A3 following signs to the Guildhall. SATNAV use postcode PO1 2AB.

Parking: The most convenient to use is Isambard Brunel multi-storey car park in Alec Rose Lane (PO1 2BX).

Public Transport: There are numerous City Centre bus services which stop within walking distance of Guildhall Square, including routes 1, 2, 2A, 7, 7A, 13, 14, 21, 700 and Hov.

Portsmouth and Southsea railway station is a 175m walk from the Guildhall.

Getting to Meyrick Park

Walking: Meyrick Park lies within easy walking distance of Bournemouth Town Centre (north side) with easy access from Talbot Woods and Braidley Road.

Taxi: A taxi and drop-off system will be operation on Central Drive off Braidley Road prior to the concerts. Please follow the instructions given by the traffic marshalls.

Driving: There is no car parking at the concert site itself. The nearest public car parks are the Pay & Display at the Town Hall on Braidley Road and the Richmond Hill multi-storey. There is parking on nearby roads around the park, but please park legally.

There is limited parking available for blue badge holders adjacent to the site, for those displaying a valid windscreen badge. Please note this is on a first come basis.

You can enter the concert arena via either Meyrick Park Crescent or Braidley Road. Please note that entry via the woods is not permitted.

For tickets:

To book tickets or for more information about the BSO Proms in the Park, please visit the below event pages or call the BSO Box Office on 01202 669925.

For tickets from John Williams: The Master click here.

For tickets from The Music of Abba click here.

For tickets for Classical Extravaganza click here.

For tickets for Symphonic Smash Hits- the 80’s! click here.