MUSIC: Jools Holland and Jubilee Spitfire Proms at Borde Hill Garden

The picturesque location near Haywards Heath will be the location for a night of boogie-woogie as piano maestro Jools Holland returns on Saturday, June 30, with his 18-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and special guests Marc Almond and Ruby Turner.

Marc, one half of the most successful ‘electro duo’ of 1979, Soft Cell, has had a career spanning over 30 years and has sold over 30 million records worldwide.

Concert director, Chris Bailey, said “We worked with Marc on the 2008 Jools’ tour and he was simply brilliant. The crowd warmed to him immediately and you could sense the huge impact he had on them all, instantly injecting further enjoyment into an already exciting night. I’m delighted that he has agreed to appear at one more show in 2012 and that will be Borde Hill Garden.

“There will be two other guest vocalists also joining Jools and the band – the first lady of British soul, Ruby Turner, whose mere stage presence erupts the audience into fever pitch and a fine young singer, Louise Marshall, who certainly knows how to belt out a tune. I can promise the audience that night will really enjoy the two hours with Jools and the team.”

On Sunday, July 1, the iconic sound of the Spitfire will start the Jubilee Spitfire Proms for the National Symphony Orchestra’s performance. After the dramatic aerial display full of twists, turns and dives, the NSO will play a section of classical favourites, film themes and end with the traditional flag-waving of the Last Night Of The Proms.

Chris added: “The NSO will deliver what many people have requested, a classical proms evening which will feature a programme that everyone will know. Both nights will be picnic-style concerts and we encourage the audience to bring their own chairs, rugs and cushions.”

The Spitfire, which has performed above the picturesque Borde Hill gardens in three previous occasions, is flown by the world’s only female Spitfire pilot, Carolyn Grace.

Following her 10-minute display The National Symphony Orchestra will present a two hour concert of favourites from many including Handel, Bizet, Vivaldi, and Strauss, film music from Bridge Over The River Kwai, The Mission and Dambusters.

Gates open at 5pm with the support artists on stage from 6.30pm.

Tickets are availabel from EMS Concerts 01603 660444 or www.emsconcerts.co.uk and also from Borde Hill Garden on 01444 450326.

Saturday tickets cost £32 for adults (rising to £37 on June 30) and £15 for children aged 5 to 15 (rising to £20 on June 30).

Sunday tickets cost £22.50 for adults (rising to £27 on June 30) and children under 16 are free.