Leeds Castle has a full and varied programme of events over the next few weeks for most of which tickets will need to be booked in advance – if you’re not sure call ahead on 01622 880008 or visit their website at http://www.leeds-castle.com . But don’t delay early booking is highly recommended due to the popularity of these events!
Not strictly in the holidays, but still worth a mention, are the two open air concerts being staged over the weekend of 16th and 17th July. On Saturday night the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by John Rigby, will play a selection of well-known classical pieces. There will also be a display from two classic airplanes from World War II, a Hurricane and an American P-51 D Mustang, during the evening. Entry to the concert site is from 3pm with live music starting at 5pm before the main concert at 7.30pm. Prices are picnic £35 and seated £45. There is a 10% discount for 10 or more tickets.
Live at the Castle will take Leeds Castle by storm on the Sunday night! A fabulous line-up includes The Wanted, Eliza Doolittle, Alexandra Burke, Stacey Solomon, Twist & Pulse and Aggro Santos rocking the night away! Tickets are £27.50 and access to the site is from 4pm. The castle itself will be closed to the public over the whole weekend.
What better place than Leeds Castle to watch an open air performance of William Shakespeare’s enchantingly enduring play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” which is being performed by the all-male Lord Chamberlain’s Men on the Pavilion Lawn from 28th to 30th July inclusive. Performances are at 7pm and tickets are £15 for adults and £12 for children under 16.
And there’s more drama when Children’s Theatre on the Lawn comes to Leeds Castle!
Between August 12th and 14th the Chapterhouse Theatre Company will entertain children and their families with their enactment of the traditional children’s fairy tale “Snow White”. There will also be a parade during the interval so why not dress up as your favourite character and join in!
Then, on 27th and 28th August the Cambridge Touring Theatre will stage the much-loved children’s classic “Wind in the Willows”. Who can resist an evening with Mr Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger?
You are invited to bring along a picnic to eat on the lawn while you watch Theatre on the Lawn and ice cream and drinks will be available at the castle.
Performances of both plays start at 5pm and prices are as follows: Adults £12, children under 16 £10, a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children £35 with a 10% discount for parties of 10 or more.
Returning to a musical theme on August 21st the Royal Marines Association Concert Band will be coming to Leeds Castle to showpiece their exciting musical talents with a stirring concert of military and traditional tunes. Prices: Adults £15, children under 16 £10.
If open air cinema is your thing, or even if it’s not, you can’t fail to be tempted by that great Hollywood comedy “Some Like It Hot” starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. A live jazz band will be performing a sunset rendition of songs from the film so bring a picnic and enjoy the music while you munch! For more information about and to book tickets for this event go to http://www.whereisthenomad.com. “Some Like It Hot” is rated PG. Gates open at 6pm and prices are: Adults £15, Children under 16 £12. Dine & Sleep packages are also available for this event.
To round the holidays off Balloons and Bentleys come to Leeds Castle on 3rd and 4th September. There will be a display of hot air balloons and veteran cars on the Cedar Lawn in a celebration of travel from the 1900s to the 1930s. In addition a craft fair with over 75 stalls offering gorgeous things for sale will be on site. A memorable family day out at the end of what will hopefully be a long hot summer!
Here’s hoping! Until next time
India J