A MUCH-LOVED concert is returning to Priory Park after a two-year break.

Concert in the Park will return as part of the Southend social scene on June 28.

It is being organised by the Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill and is being sponsored by law firm BTMK.

Launched in 1996, the concert ran for 15 consecutive years before a congested summer schedule in 2012 and financial concerns forced a two-year hiatus.

Concert chairman, Roger Allan, said: “We all feel more assured about the financial situation now and are delighted to be putting it on again.

“BTMK feel like they’re doing their bit for the community and so do we.

“We do as much of the work as we can ourselves, so more money goes to charity.”

The concert will feature the English Pops Orchestra, playing a mix of classical, music from films, television and the hits of the Beatles and the Electric Light Orchestra.

Regularly attracting crowds of up to 5,000, the concert is fun for the whole family and raises vital money for charities, including Southend Hospital.

Derek Jarvis, Southend councillor responsible for culture and tourism, said: “It is great news that it can come back. We were disappointed that the organisers had to decide not to run it.

"We have always enjoyed supporting it as best as we can, being in one of our prestigious parks, we will work with the Rotary Club and do all we can to make it as friendly an event as possible.

“It is another good addition to the fantastic events that go on all round Southend.”

The event has raised more than £300,000 for charity in the 15 years it has been held, with Southend Hospital receiving a donation of assisted hearing aid units in 2007.

Lucy Thomas-Clayton, head of hospital fundraising, said: “Southend Hospital Charity, along with many other local charities, has been a grateful beneficiary of money raised and we are delighted to see its return this year.”

Ticket details are yet to be released. Formore information, visit www.concertinthepark.org.uk/