One of the biggest events on the Shipston calendar enjoyed a successful return following a three-year break.

The Shipston Proms came to a close on Saturday following over two weeks of non-stop music.

It was the 22nd edition of the festival, which had not been held since 2019 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

This year’s Proms were headlined by Rick Parfitt Jr, son of the late Status Quo singer/songwriter, and the RPJ Band.

Parfitt Jr took a weekend off from his British Touring Car Championship campaign to delight the crowds in Shipston high street.

Taking to Facebook after his set, he wrote: “Brutal few days driving many miles, sleeping very little and giving every ounce of energy at each performance but when a run of gigs finishes like this it is all totally worth it!

“Thank you, Shipston Proms, for having The RPJ Band headline. You guys were simply amazing!”

Cotswold Journal: Son of Status Quo singer/songwriter Rick Parfitt and British Touring Car Championship driver Rick Parfitt Jr headlined Shipston Proms. Photo: Chris Roberts/WiderViewPhotoSon of Status Quo singer/songwriter Rick Parfitt and British Touring Car Championship driver Rick Parfitt Jr headlined Shipston Proms. Photo: Chris Roberts/WiderViewPhoto

The Proms began with Uncle Fun’s Disco Inferno at the Townsend Hall on Friday, June 10.

On the following days, blues and americana guitarist and singer Greg Brice performed at the Halford Bridge Inn and The Elastic Band played at The Lion, Tredington, alongside many other events.

There was also the return of many Proms staples including Mrs Porter’s Chamberpot Pouri, the local Primary School’s concert and the Young Musicians Concert at St. Martin’s Church, Barcheston.

This year also marked the launch of a new event, Shipston Introducing.

The contest, hosted by El Café, gave new and emerging artists the chance to take to the stage.

Teresa Brookes was named as the best of the single/duet category while The Weekend Warriors won best group.

Cotswold Journal: Teresa Brookes was named best single/duet at Shipston IntroducingTeresa Brookes was named best single/duet at Shipston Introducing

Shipston Proms will return once again in June 2023.

A spokesperson for the town council said: “Congratulations to the Shipston Proms for a successful 2022 event.

“And a special thanks to all who took part in performing.

“And not forgetting the hard work involved behind the scenes by a dedicated group of volunteers. Thank You.”

Cotswold Journal: Weekend Warriors were named best group at Shipston IntroducingWeekend Warriors were named best group at Shipston Introducing (Image: Chris Roberts/Widerview Visual Media)