Musicians from Orchestral Manoeuvres take centre stage in Telford Town Park.

People of all ages gathered around the stage with deckchairs and picnics as 25 musicians drawn from different professional concert orchestras performed a mix of classical and other popular known music.

Members of the audience joined an afternoon of entertainment, with members of the crowd being invited to have a go conducting the orchestra themselves.

The orchestra played excerpts from various well known pieces including Bizet’s Carmen, Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Bartok’s Romanian Fold Dances.

Some of the musicians toured the borough on Friday ahead of the event visiting Asda in Donnington, Wellington market and Telford Town Centre where they treated crowds to street performances.

Richard Shrewsbury, who organised the orchestra, said: “What a fantastic event. The wonderful turnout is proof that the appetite for cultural activities is growing and growing in Telford and Wrekin. The musicians who took part enjoyed being given the opportunity to play some of their favourite pieces to such a large and appreciative audience in such a beautiful setting”.

Councillor Arnold England, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing said: “The audience enjoyed the wonderful park setting and well known classical tunes performed by the orchestra.

“The event was a real family event that encouraged everyone to try something different. It also marked the one year count down to the London 2012 Olympics.”

This free event was organised by Telford & Wrekin Council to celebrate Open Weekend 2012 which is part of the Cultural Olympiad programme and which marks the countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Event visitors are encouraged to give their feedback at facebook.com/thegamesandme Those who post their comments will be entered into a free prize draw to win a visit to see the Olympic Park.

The event is funded by the Arts Council England as part of their support for the Cultural Olympiad programme in the West Midlands.