The Leeds Castle lawn was awash with Union flags as thousands of spectators enjoyed an evening of classical music yesterday.

The open air spectacular opened to the slick sounds of the 1960s from The Definitive Rat Pack, who kicked off the show with the songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.

The group includes the original cast members from The Rat Pack: Live from Las Vegas, that has wowed audiences internationally and in London’s West End.

Crowd pleasers like New York, New York and My Way were followed by the headline act, a performance by the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by John Rigby.

And if that wasn’t enough to rouse spectators, Strictly Come Dancing star Ola Jordan and her husband James got the audience up on their feet, teaching them a few steps before leading a dance.

James Jordan tweeted a selfie with the crowd, saying: “12,000 people just danced the Viennese Waltz at Leeds Castle. Amazing event.”

The night was topped off in patriotic style, with a flyover from a Spitfire, cannons firing and a display of fireworks.