Grab your picnic and find a perfect spot on the lawn to watch this year’s Leeds Castle Concert.

The annual classical concert will once again return to Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, for an evening of rousing orchestras, spectacular fireworks and beautiful surroundings.

This year, the concert has adopted a James Bond theme to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the British spy character.

The musical finale, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, will be inspired by the thrilling film series, featuring some of the most well-known songs from its soundtrack.

The concert will also include a number of special guests, including Faversham-based singer Anna-Jane Casey.

The musical theatre star has sung on the West End stage in shows such as Cats and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and will now be joining the orchestra as a soloist for this one-off performance.

Anna said: “To sing in such a magnificent setting, with my friends in the phenomenal Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, will surely be a wonderful way to start the summer.”

“After the last few years, coming out of the pandemic, musicians and performers have been hit very hard regarding live entertainment, but finally we seem to be emerging from that and being able to share an evening of music, fireworks and spectacle with my fellow Kent residents, is going to be a blast!”

The orchestra will be led this year by conductor John Rigby.

The whole day will open with a performance from Bye Bye Baby, a tribute to the stage show Jersey Boys and the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

There will also be a varied programme of entertainment outside of the music, with a Spitfire display flying over the castle grounds, a best dressed competition and a fantastic fireworks display to finish off the evening.

Visitors will be able to bring their own picnic for the day, and refreshments will also be available from the bars and food vendors.

The Leeds Castle Concert takes place on Saturday, July 8. You can book tickets online here.

Tickets start from £55 and there is a 10% discount if you purchase ten or more tickets.