Dress up in your finest regalia and start waving your Union Jack flag as a proms-style concert returns to Kent.
The Leeds Castle Concert is one of the summer’s biggest music events, bringing tribute bands, orchestras and fireworks to the historic landmark just outside Maidstone.
The much-loved Leeds Castle Concert returns to Maidstone this summer
The concert, which brings in thousands of visitors every year, features world-class music from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The orchestra will once again be led by conductor John Rigby, who has been at the helm in previous years, for another rousing set of classical pieces and familiar tunes.
There will also be a performance from Capital Voices, who will be paying tribute to Swedish superstars Abba.
The vocal group will be celebrating 50 years since Abba won the Eurovision Song Contest with sing-along songs like Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia and Gimme Gimme Gimme.
Mexican tenor Jesús León has also recently joined the line-up.
The renowned ‘bel canto’ tenor is the founder and director of the Vienna Opera Academy and has performed at the Royal Albert Hall.
“Being part of the line-up for this year’s Leeds Castle Concert is an incredible honour and an exhilarating experience,” says Jesús. “Leeds Castle is such a stunning and historic venue and the opportunity to perform in such a majestic setting is truly a dream come true.”
The concert includes live entertainment, food stalls and fireworks
The concert also boasts performances from West End singers.
Elesha Paul Moses, who has appeared in the Prince of Egypt and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and Lara Martins, who holds the record for being the longest-running Carlotta in the Phantom of the Opera, will be making their debut at the castle this summer.
Elesha said: “Portraying iconic figures like Whitney Houston and Tina Turner has been an extraordinary journey, shaping my career by allowing me to delve into the essence of these legendary artists. Each role has contributed to my growth as a performer, bringing a unique dimension to my craft.
“As I take to the stage at the Leeds Castle Concert, the influence of embodying such powerful voices infuses my performance with authenticity and a deep connection to the music, making this experience even more special.”
There will be a prize for the best-dressed fan at this year’s event. Picture: Leeds Castle Concert
There’s also a Best Dressed competition with prizes being awarded for the most fabulous Abba flares and swankiest tuxedoes.
Visitors can share pictures of their most spectacular outfits on social media with the hashtags #LeedsCastleConcert and #BestDressed to be in with a chance of winning.
Crowds can also enjoy a jaw-dropping Spitfire fly-over and a fireworks finale while they sip a glass of bubbly and tuck into a picnic on the beautiful lawns of Leeds Castle.
The concert takes place on Saturday, July 13 and tickets are still available online here.
Standard tickets cost £62 per adult. You can also upgrade your ticket to include a picnic hamper, including a vegan option, a chilled bottle of prosecco or a souvenir programme.
The car park is open from 1pm, gates to the concert open from 4pm and the fireworks display finishes at 10pm.
Courtesy of Kent Online