Peter WalshAn Essex couple who got engaged in front of hundreds of people in the middle of a gig in Norwich have made an emotional return to the venue which will always have a special place in their hearts.Peter Walsh

An Essex couple who got engaged in front of hundreds of people in the middle of a gig in Norwich have made an emotional return to the venue which will always have a special place in their hearts.

As previously reported romantic rocker Gareth Heard, 25, was at the King Blues gig at the Waterfront earlier this month when he approached staff at the King Street venue with a surprise request.

He said he wanted to get up on stage and pop the question to his girlfriend, Sara Cawthorne, 30, who was completely oblivious to his romantic plan during the set by his favourite band.

And while the request caught staff and the band somewhat on the hop they agreed to grant his wish and halfway through their set of powerful punk and reggae influenced alternative rock they slowed things down so he could pop the question.

Ms Cawthorne, a nurse, who returned to the waterside venue with her fianc� for the first time yesterday, said she was completely oblivious to her boyfriend's plan on the 'amazing' night which remains a bit of a blur.

She said: 'I didn't have a clue at all. He just kept slipping off to the toilet. They played this song, he disappeared again, and said they would like to welcome someone to the stage and I thought 'he's going to miss it' and then…it was him and I just thought Oh my God.'

Ms Cawthorne, who had been helped to the front by people in the audience, was ushered onto the stage where she was asked the question.

She said: 'I didn't manage to say yes, I just nodded - I was crying. It was all a bit of a shock. Norwich has special memories for me now - I definitely think we will come back again.'

The couple, who met on the internet and live on the same street in Essex, have been together for almost a year, were invited back stage after the show to meet the band.

Mr Heard, a driving instructor and Norwich City fan, said: 'I thought about asking her on the night a couple of days before, but then got there and panicked. They had three support bands and thought they might not have time to play the song I wanted. I asked a security guard and they spoke to the manager for us and said come back at 9pm.

'Then they said when the band play The Streets Are Ours I had to be at the side of the stage. Suddenly I was thinking I've got to say something when I get on the stage.'

Fortunately for Mr Heard everything was al right on the night and his bride-to-be said yes. The couple now plan to emigrate to Australia, but both say Norwich will always be somewhere that they will always have fond memories of.

Mr Heard said: 'It's a special place for us. It was the first time we had ever been to the Waterfront. We're looking to emigrate, but when we come back we will be looking for gigs there.'

Have you been surprised by a wedding proposal in an unusual place? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk

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