Stately shows planned for the grounds of historic piles

Stately homes opening up for summer shows

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease the stately home and events sectors are finding ways to open while maintaining social distancing rules.

On the back of lockdown easing comes a new event and the chance to enjoy live outdoor concerts again.

Complying with COVID-19 guidelines, Sounds in the Grounds brings great live music to the grounds of two of Yorkshire’s most beautiful stately homes - Scampston Hall near Malton (pictured above; Photo: Marcus Harpur) and Ripley Castle near Harrogate; over August Bank Holiday weekend and first weekend of September.

Open doors for a good time after easing of lockdown

Audiences can come together and enjoy a line-up of best-loved and internationally renowned bands from their own designated picnic patch for two, four or six people, which will be socially distanced from others, but close enough to share the fun.

Sounds in the Grounds offers Beyond the Barricade with special guest star Lockie Chapman, former lead singer of The Overtones performing songs from the world’s greatest musicals (August 28 at Scampston Hall, September 4 at Ripley Castle).

Step back in time to early 70s

ABBA Mania with flares, platforms and all your favourite hits from the Swedish Supergroup appears on August 29 at Scampston Hall, September 5 at Ripley Castle.

Enjoy 60s experience

The Bootleg Beatles, the world’s premier Beatles band and Glastonbury favourite, appear August 30 at Scampston Hall, September 3 at Ripley Castle.

A Country Night in Nashville celebration of country music with songs from the genre’s biggest stars both past and present is on August 31 at Scampston Hall, September 6 at Ripley Castle.

New York Brass

The support act to every concert will be another Glastonbury sensation, The New York Brass Band, performing a different repertoire every night, from jazz to ’80s to current hits, kicking off an evening of superb live entertainment.

Gates will open at 5pm (4pm on Monday August 31 and Sunday September 6) giving visitors time to enjoy their picnic before the band starts at 6pm (5pm on above dates).

Designated patches have been designed to be one metre apart within each row with two-metre aisles between the rows.

Organiser James Cundall says: “Sounds in the Grounds offers the opportunity to get together and enjoy a fun night of live music in a stunning setting in a socially distanced way.”

Sounds in the Grounds will take place at Scampston Hall from August 28 to 31, Ripley Castle from September 3 to 6.

Tickets are on sale now, starting at £59 plus booking fees for a standard picnic patch for two people, available by visiting soundsinthegrounds.seetickets.com website.

Other similar historic homes events include Belvoir Castle until August 31 staging Capability Brown Tours and, on August 8, Firework Champions.

Other events include August 29 to 31 Plant Hunter’s Weekend at Lullingstone Castle.

A taste of Mexico and classic vehicles

The castle also sees from September 19 to 20 Mexican Celebration weekend while Capesthorne Hall stages Cheshire Classic Car and Motorcycle Show rescheduled for August 30.

Where to find activities in your area this summer

To find out more about what is going on at heritage sites visit www.visitheritage.co.uk and look under what’s on section. In Northern Ireland late September sees the arrival of two-day Festival Lough Erne at Enniskillen Castle. For more on Northern Ireland events visit Irelanddiscovernorthernireland.com website.For events in Scotland visit www.visitscotland.com.