Opera star Lesley Garrett expressed her joy at being invited back to perform at the Bedford Proms in the Park, a beloved outdoor concert series making its return after a year-long absence. Set for 6 July 2025, the event is part of the Bedford Summer Sessions and will feature Garrett performing alongside tenor Russell Watson. After popular demand from the public, the concert has been revived by organisers, and Garrett described the invitation as an honour, saying she intends to give it her all-adding with a smile that her “all” is still considerable.
Reflecting on her career, Garrett shared that singing has never simply been a profession but an essential part of her identity. Now aged 70 and marking 45 years since her professional debut, she sees herself in a period of celebrating her legacy rather than chasing further success. She described the current chapter of her life as one of freedom and fulfilment, no longer driven by pressure to prove herself, but grounded in gratitude for her musical journey.
Garrett hinted this performance could be her final Proms appearance, though she continues to take weekly lessons with her first vocal coach, Joy Mammen, to maintain her vocal strength. She emphasized her commitment to only performing while she feels she can meet the highest standards, expressing a deep respect for her audience and a desire never to let them down. For her, the decision to stop will be made carefully, in close consultation with her teacher.
Following the Bedford Proms, Garrett is set to take on the role of Heidi Schiller in Follies with the Northern Ireland Opera Company in September. She also plans to assist with a November concert for her choir, Bantam of the Opera, before undergoing hip replacement surgery. Yet even with surgery ahead, she remains devoted to music, declaring she’ll continue performing as long as she is physically and vocally able.
Organisers and fans alike are thrilled about the Proms’ return, after its 2024 absence disappointed many. Promoter Mark Harrison noted that public support was instrumental in bringing the event back for 2025. The last version of the event, held in 2023, featured a West End theme, but this year marks a return to the classic Proms format-a tradition that Garrett, the orchestra, and audiences eagerly look forward to celebrating once again.