The first image of a new theatre space has been released - nine months after its predecessor was destroyed by a falling tree.

With days to go until the opening event on Saturday, the Festival Theatre on Three Sisters Lawn in the grounds of Hever Castle near Edenbridge is almost - but not quite - ready.

The stage walls and gutters are still to be added.

The previous festival theatre was semi-open, with a roof extending over only half the audience.

It was too badly damaged by a falling tree last July to be repaired.

So instead, the promoters have created a new theatre that will have covered seating for the whole audience and will be fitted with a new hi-tech lighting rig.

The audience will still enjoy the feel of the traditional open-air theatre since the new roof is transparent to give a view of the sun or stars.

The theatre opens this Saturday with a performance by the Jazz Dynamos with Lucy Randell.

A full programme of events follows, including performances of Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore on June 1, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet on July 24, and a Cavalcade of Noel and Cole on July 26, featuring the music of Noel Coward and Cole Porter.

Other shows include tributes to Taylor Swift, Steely Dan, Simon and Garfunkel, and The Beatles.

For details of all shows visit the festival’s website here.

Pre-show suppers can be ordered in the restaurant, or guests can take their own picnics to enjoy in the castle grounds before the show.

Hever Castle was built in 1383 and was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife.