BLACKBURN Cathedral will stage its own version of the Last Night of the Proms this weekend, but the event was very nearly cancelled as the concert sponsor was failed East Lancashire travel firm Fraser Eagle.

Richard Tanner, the cathedral’s director of music, explained that a lack of funding had threatened Saturday’s show.

He said: “The collapse of Fraser Eagle was a very serious blow to us because they were our main sponsors for the whole concert series.

“We had a crisis meeting and decided that the show had to go on, even though it will mean we will end the series with a huge loss.”

Fraser Eagle, based in Padiham, ceased trading a few months ago and had promised £10,000 in sponsorship for the concert series.

Saturday's event is the last of four prom shows, which have included a Christmas Spectacular and African Sanctus.

Mr Tanner, who conducts the choir, said he was pleased the weekend’s concert would go ahead but was worried about the future of the event.

He said next seasons may have to be scaled back if no new sponsors are found.

He said: "It's a great shame that this happened. We're trying to find a new sponsor but if we can't find one we're in real trouble.

"The same number of concerts will go ahead next year, but they could be scaled back if no money is found. We may have to use fewer professional choirs, but this could be a fantastic opportunity for our young choristers."

Saturday’s final concert will feature the Northern Chamber Orchestra, Blackburn Cathedral Choir, the girls’ choir and the Renaissance Singers.

Works will include Purcell’s Come Ye Sons of Art and Handel’s Zadok the Priest and Haydn’s Farewell Symphony.

A late addition to the programme is the Stars & Stripes to mark American Independence Day which is also on Saturday.

It will conclude with many “Last Night” favourites and the chance for the audience to take part in lots of flag-waving.

The event begins at 7.30 p.m. Tickets, priced from £10 to £30, are available from Blackburn with Darwen Visitor Centre in Church Street or call 01254 688040.