An annual summer event which attracts thousands is set to support a Kent charity which provides compassionate care for those with terminal illnesses and their families this year.

The Leeds Castle Concert, which will be held at the castle near Maidstone on Saturday, July 11, has chosen the Aylesford-based Heart of Kent Hospice as its charity this year.

The annual summer spectacular will open this year with new performers Down for the Count swing orchestra, celebrating 100 years since the roaring 1920s.

The main concert features the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and soloists performing a mix of much-loved classical favourites alongside new orchestral arrangements of popular songs, while field guns, an iconic Spitfire flypast and firework finale will entertain the thousands who attend. Every year a charity benefits from a collection at the concert.

The Heart of Kent Hospice provides essential, free of charge specialist care to people with a terminal illness and those closest to them, looking after more than 1,500 patients a year in their own homes, in the community, and in the hospice. Its services cost £4 million a year to run.

Karen Newton-Anker, community partnerships fundraiser at the hospice said: “We are thrilled to be the charity partner for the Leeds Castle Concert 2020 and look forward to using this event to raise awareness of the range of support we can provide local families, and to fundraise for our hospice.”

All partners for this year’s concert - host Leeds Castle, headline sponsor Brachers and media partner KM Media Group - are also supporting the charity by taking part in Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade, a trail which will see 50 individually designed Elmer elephants around Maidstone and out to Leeds Castle from Saturday, June 20 to Sunday, August 23.

Joanna Worby from the concert's headline sponsor, Brachers, which also celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, said: “Elmer has promoted positive messages about inclusivity, courage and friendship to generations of children.

"As a firm, we understand the importance of supporting the community in which we have resided for almost 125 years and are delighted to get behind a cause with such positive values we believe help make a difference.”

To book tickets for the concert go to LeedsCastleConcert.co.uk or call 0845 652 6262.

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