TEN YEARS AGO: World-famous soprano Lesley Garrett plays Boston Stump to 1,400 crowd

On a rainy Wednesday evening, the world-famous opera singer’s voice echoed through the 700-year-old St Botolph’s Church during the gala to raise funds for its £3 million restoration and development appeal.

Canon Robin Whitehead, vicar of Boston, said: “It was an extraordinary night, I have never seen the church so full. We had to bring in extra

chairs for people to sit on in every available space.”

Two large screens were put up in the church to allow all audience members a closer view of Garrett and accompanying performances by the South Lincolnshire Chamber Choir, Cantemus and pianist Andrew West.

The concert was attended by people from around the country, with many of her die-hard fans travelling miles to Boston to see her.

At one point during the concert, in a poignant visual reminder of the importance of the restoration work, rain water started to drip through the roof and fall onto a sections of seating below.

“Heavy rain was coming through every crevice,” said Canon Whitehead.

“The water pouring in demonstrated the urgent need for the church’s restoration.”

Boston Police Cadets had an important role to play at the event – keeping the soprano dry in the rain under an umbrella parade as she moved between costume changes from the vicarage to the Stump. They also escorted her to and from the stage.