Jazz and classics grace the gardens (From Stroud News and Journal)

Jazz and classics grace the gardens

GRAB a picnic blanket and hamper and head to Westonbirt Arboretum for a weekend of spectacular musical entertainment this month.

Jazz and classical are on the menu when Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra play at Westonbirt on Friday, July 29 and the English National Orchestra on the following evening, Saturday, July 30.

The finale to the classical evening will be a spectacular firework display above the magnificent trees which will bring the weekend of music to a memorable close.

Jools Holland is the most popular rhythm and blues pianist and bandleader in the UK, and has worked with some of the greatest recording artists including Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Tom Jones.

Jools and his band have thrilled audiences at Westonbirt for several years and demand for tickets is always high.

The English National Orchestra has been playing at Westonbirt for eight years and provides an equally popular evening's entertainment.

Food, drink, picnic chairs, tables and blankets are allowed at each event. For safety reasons dogs, garden flares and BBQs are not allowed but flags and lanterns will be on sale.

The orchestra has gained a reputation over the last eight years as one of the finest symphony orchestras in the world.

On the 30th they will be performing Verdi's La Traviata and Puccini's Nessun Dorma, Rule Britannia and Jerusalem, amongst other favourites. Tickets for Jools Holland cost £27 (plus booking fee). Tickets for the English National Orchestra cost £19 each.

Tickets for both events are on sale now. To book call the Forestry Commission on 01842 814612.