Pack Up Your Troubles, because We’ll Meet Again at the Leeds Castle Classical Concert this summer.

The open air highlight of the Kent summer calendar, which has been running since 1978 in the grounds of the 13th century castle, will this year be dedicated to all things wartime.

Celebrating the part the castle played in the Second World War effort, the programme will include popular wartime classics including The White Cliffs of Dover, Pack Up Your Troubles, Tipperary and We’ll Meet Again.

The theme coincides with the new Battle for the Skies exhibition, which allows visitors to step back in time with an audio visual experience telling the story of the Battle of Britain in the skies over Kent, while inside they can learn about the role the castle played in the wartime effort. The exhibition runs until the end of October.

The world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by John Rigby, will return to perform at the concert this year, with the Patriot Girls providing some added glamour.

The versatile singers, Joanne Pullen, Jo Gibb and Marissa Dunlop, last played at the summer celebration in 2013, and will be performing some familiar tunes of the Forties.

The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, who are often at the forefront of state events including Changing the Guard, will be conducted by Wing Commander Piers Morrell.

Event director Richard Millward said: “It is a real coup to have them join us, and they typify the Battle of Britain theme that runs through the programme this year. Audiences who have been coming for many years will remember we traditionally used to start the concerts with a military band – and there is none better than this.”

The event’s chosen charity will be the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) and Aero Legends will provide a spectacular Forties Spitfire flypast display.

Soloists will be soprano Katie Bird and tenor Anthony Flaum and host for a second year will be Aled Jones.

Artistic director John Rigby said: “This is truly a unique event in my calendar as there is a wonderful overlay of music, performance art and choreography in the sky. The castle is an art form in itself and combined with the musicians, singers, pilots, the artillery, fireworks and the Spitfire, it’s a very special day for us.”

Singer Aled Jones will be back to host for a second year. He said: “I am so looking forward to returning to host the classical concert at this most wonderful castle in Kent – the perfect setting for what we all hope will be a beautiful summer’s evening. Here’s to another unforgettable musical event.”

A colourful crowd of picnickers with candelabras and promenaders with patriotic flags are encouraged to sing and dance along to the music throughout.

On the ground there will also be field guns which will boom out in time to the music and the evening ends with a stunning fireworks display accompanied by rousing music.

DETAILS

The Leeds Castle Classical Concert will be held at Leeds Castle on Saturday, July 8.
It is staged by Heritage Events and sponsored by Brachers.

Picnic style tickets are £44. Seated tickets are now sold out. To book visit leedscastleconcert.co.uk

The Spitfire flying display is subject to weather, aircraft serviceability and permission from the Civil Aviation Authority.

THE START OF SUMMERTIME

The Classical Concert kicks off the start of Summertime at Leeds Castle, a programme of activities running right through the summer holidays.

They include open air theatre and cinema, including Gladiator and Pretty Woman, children's theatre, music and a Mystery Quest, all rounded off with an open air theatre production of Pride and Prejudice on Saturday, September 2.

For the full programme and ticket details go to leeds-castle.com