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Concert goers turned up in their tens of thousands for this year’s English Heritage Picnic Concert at Audley End, Saffron Walden. With over 40,000 people attending, the atmosphere at every concert has been breathtaking.

Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry has had a busy summer touring the UK but was back to Audley End by popular demand giving the crowd something to remember. With a riveting performance of classics like ‘Let’s Stick Together’, ‘The In Crowd’ and ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’, Bryan proved he’s still got what it takes to captivate an audience that included celebrity guests Zoe Tyler and Linda Barker.

The weather in July didn’t dampen spirits with Cuban sensation, Buena Vista Social Club presents Cachaito Lopez, ‘Guajiro’ Mirabal, Manuel Galban, ‘Aguaje’ Ramos, turning up the heat. Key figures in the Cuban world for over 50 years, the group treated Audley End to the best Latin vibes in the music scene.

The Party! gang, featuring Bananarama, Belinda Carlisle, Midge Ure, T’Pau, Toyah Willcox, Limahl, headed up an 80’s revival with pop classics such as ‘China In Your Hands’, ‘Vienna’ and ‘Heaven Is a Place on Earth’.

The Music of Motown - Dancing In the Streets concert was full of energy, with the cast from the West End production taking concert goers back in time with golden oldies from the Motown repertoire such as ‘I Heard It Through The Grape Vine’, ‘Baby Love’ and ‘My Girl’.

Penultimate concert of the series at Audley End saw Britain’s most popular pianist and bandsman Jools Holland and his 19 piece Rhythm and Blues Orchestra perform their world renowned show. Someone who needs no introduction, Lulu joined as a special guest vocalist accompanying Jools on stage for a selection of songs, including the chart topper Shout! – the song that made her famous at the tender age of fifteen. The lucky audience was also serenaded by the talented Ruby Turner.

The Last Night of the Audley End Proms promised to be a special affair and it didn’t disappoint. Packed to capacity, Audley End was a sell out with over 10,000 people in attendance. BRIT winner Katherine Jenkins had the crowd in the palm of her hand as she sang to a sea of waving British flags. Accompanying the lovely singer was one of the greatest orchestras in the world - the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Joining her up high in the sky was Carolyn Grace, female spitfire pilot undertaking a breathtaking aerobatic display in front of thousands - all in all a true celebration of Britishness.

Down in Marble Hill, Twickenham, Lemar & Beverley Knight two of the UK’s best known R&B; soul acts had the crowd on their feet with their hands in the air within minutes of appearing on stage!

Smoother than smooth and dressed in a slick silk suit, Lemar melted hearts at Marble Hill as he crooned his way through favorites such as ‘Dance (With U)’ and ‘50 / 50’. His rendition of The Darkness classic ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’ showed his versatility as one of Britain’s most promising young talent.

The UK’s number one soul star Beverley Knight brought down the house with ‘Black Butta’ and ‘Aint That a Lot of Love’ from her latest album Music City Soul, requesting her microphone be turned up so that all of Twickenham could hear her, loud! Owning the stage like a young energetic Tina Turner, she sang the favorites ‘Come As You Are’, ‘Keep This Fire Burning’ and ‘Piece of My Heart’. Twickenham proved they had enough energy to match Beverley’s and danced the night away till the sound of fireworks closed a spectacular show.

With such a hugely successful stretch at Audley End, fans at Marble Hill and Battle Abbey are on the edge of their seats for the remaining concerts. Yet to perform at Twickenham are the cast from the West End production of The Music of Motown, Dancing in the Streets and Natasha Marsh and Alfie Boe for The Last Night of the Marble Hill Proms.

Don’t forget your legwarmers and headbands as some of the greatest pop artists of the 80s head down to Battle Abbey, Hastings for a poptastic Party! concert. Closing the Last Night of the Battle Abbey Proms is the inimitable Lesley Garrett. Always a crowd pleaser, the UK’s most popular soprano was awarded a CBE in 2002 for Services to Music.

All the concerts are set in the idyllic and beautiful gardens at three of England’s top stately homes - Audley End in Saffron Walden, Marble Hill in Twickenham, and Battle Abbey in Hastings and are supported by Jacques Fruit Cider, the new Belgian cider from Strongbow.

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