Promenade Concert Orchestra Celebrates 20 Seasons in Morecambe

About the Orchestra

The orchestra was founded in 2007 by conductor Howard Rogerson, former principal clarinet of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Orchestra and, for more than twenty years, sub-principal clarinet with Opera North. He has also played with the Hallé, Welsh National Opera and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

PCO brings together professional, semi-professional and amateur musicians from Morecambe, Lancaster and Kendal to perform the music that once filled Britain’s piers, pavilions and spa towns.

Howard Rogerson, Founder & Conductor on presenter Alan Keith:

“I can still hear his distinct voice and signature tune – many years after listening to the programme – starting on an Ecko Bakelite wireless set in the early 60’s and ending on Hi-fi stereo!”

20th Anniversary Season

Promenade Concert Orchestra (PCO) opens its anniversary season on Sunday 22 November at 3pm at The Platform, Morecambe, with Your 100 Best Tunes.

The concert is an afternoon of melodies made famous by the much-loved radio programme of the same name, which ran for 44 years and invited listeners to vote for their favourites.

Soprano Rowena Thornton returns as guest soloist alongside baritone John Tattersall.

The season continues with concerts in January, March and May 2027, and tickets for every concert are on sale now.

Why It’s a Great Day Out

• A full orchestra on your doorstep
  No need to travel to Manchester to hear a full symphony orchestra live.

• No booking fees
  Book on the new PCO website and you pay the ticket price, nothing more. Early bird tickets are available too!

• A relaxed Sunday matinée
  A 3pm start in The Platform’s historic seafront former station.

• Tunes you already know
  No prior knowledge needed, just melodies you’ll hum all day.

• Families welcome
  Accompanied children go free, so it’s an easy Sunday out for all ages. The venue has quiet spaces too.

• Every ticket does good
  Your seat directly supports a local charity and its musicians.

Support Live Music When It Matters Most

PCO is a registered charity, and like many arts charities it faces rising costs and an uncertain funding climate.

Ticket sales are its lifeblood: each one keeps a full orchestra playing in Morecambe and keeps this music alive for the next generation.

Audiences can go further by joining the Friends of PCO or making a donation through the website.

The orchestra’s President, broadcaster and founding King’s Singer Brian Kay, sums up why it matters:

“You can’t beat a GOOD TUNE!”

The anniversary also brings a fresh Art Deco identity and an updated website, where audiences can book every concert of the season in one place, join the mailing list and become a Friend.

Morecambe Town Council has supported the orchestra’s concerts. Cllr Lee Bradbury has called PCO:

“The only orchestra in the country dedicated specifically to preserving live performance of Palm Court music.”