Classic FM Summer Live 2014 - what you thought (literally, and in pictures)

The Liverpool International Music Festival kicked off on Friday 22 August in Sefton Park with our Orchestra in North West England, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. We suspected that an evening of wonderful music made people think of great things - so we handed around a Classic FM thought bubble to find out.

1. Good view of the stage, and happy about it

They got to Sefton Park early to secure the best patch of grass, and the prospect of a night of orchestral entertainment made these punters feel happy and carefree. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
2. Dinner and music

Good music, salad for the soul. Quite right too. But tell you what else is good for the soul - Fortnum and Mason hampers. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
3. Soaring music

Happiness is afternoon sunshine, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and a ferris wheel. Little wonder that these picnickers feel as free as a bird. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
4. A classic(al) picnic

And without a doubt, the prize for best spread went to this party. Nobody's going home hungry. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
5. The afternoon's best baking

Now *that's* a cake. We wholeheartedly approve. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
6. Picnic thoughts

Good wine, good company, good music. A happy afternoon in Sefton Park. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
7. Summer grooves

The sun was still shining when the orchestra kicked things off - and these friends very much approved of Dvorak's Bohemian rhythms. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
8. Music for escape and release

After the struggles of a long week, who wouldn't want a night of great music to find a moment of escape? Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
9. Mystery date?

Sorry pal, we couldn't help you there. But she clearly has great taste in music. We say she's a keeper. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
10. A helping hand from the team

Having a chat to Classic FM team, and trying to think what to write on that thought bubble… Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
11. All you need is love

Ah, there it is. And very true too - well worth the wait! Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
12. A chorister picnic

There are picnics, and then there are picnics. A tablecloth, home baking and sparkling water all combined to take this one (from the choir 'Mostly Madrigals') to the next level. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
13. Emotional in Sefton Park

The RLPO were launching into a Johns Williams classic by this point. A great film score makes us well up too. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
14. Excited, and shy

Music makes these two friends feel thankful, happy and excited. Camera makes one of them feel shy. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
15. We're happy

Somebody get the Liverpool Phil playing Pharrel Williams - these punters are ready! Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
16. CA dink in the sun

By now the orchestra were tuning. These happy picnickers were looking forward to the uplifting classics. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
17. Afternoon sun

Deck chairs and a night of great music make for two happy scousers! Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
18. Uplifting music

Afternoon sun, good music. Lovely times. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
19. Excited, peaceful and exhilarated

What a lovely family - and we're sure they enjoyed the evening's music. Oh, and we enquired - and yes, baby does listen to Classic FM. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
20. Dog thinks

It was an afternoon to make the dogs think too. At least we learnt that the Sefton Park furries had good taste. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
21. Classic FM Summer Live stage

And as the shadows lengthened, our Orchestra in North West England took to the stage to serenade the assembled picnicking masses. The Liverpool International Music Festival was underway! Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
22. Into the night

By this time The Lightening Seeds had taken the stage, and the orchestral arrangements were going down a treat. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
23. One word needed

Being entertain by one of the world's great symphony orchestras. There's only one word… Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
24. A brilliant big

By this point our thought bubble was in need of a good clean. But we can read this as amazing and happy art the same time. Our feelings precisely. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
25. Thumbs up

More happy punters as we headed into the night. Note the illuminated ferris wheel in the background. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
26. Friends pose

Friends gathering and having a fantastic time. That's what we like to see. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta
27. And after the finale

And the final thought came from inside the tent at the end of the concert. What an amazing night. Clearly good music makes you think brilliant things. Photo: Gobinder Jhitta