Leeds Castle Concert is taking its Final Bow
The concert will celebrate nearly 50 years of music with the "Best of the Best"
Leeds Castle is set to host its final concert today, marking the end of a cherished musical tradition that has spanned almost five decades.
Known for its enchanting atmosphere, the Leeds Castle Concert has been a summer highlight since its inception in 1978.
Speaking to Hits and Greatest Hits Radio Kent, John Rigby (conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) told us what it meant to him to be a part of the last 16 years of performances:
"It's a bittersweet weekend because myself and the orchestra have been involved with this concert season for 16 years, really, pre-COVID and through COVID and out the other side.
"I once described this concert as like the Wimbledon of classical music concerts. And to see so many people, upwards of 10,000, all sat on the hill with the looking at the castle, looking at the stage, and just basically having a great time.
"You know, it really is a unique event.
"People bring picnics, people do fine dining, there's always champagne and English sparkling wine flowing freely, but people really make an evening of it, bring whatever they want to bring.
"It's just wonderful. It's wonderful for me as well, just wandering around before the concert and seeing everybody in great party spirits. You know, it's a very special event."
Renowned for its positive atmosphere, the Leeds Castle Concert sees families returning year after year, friends reuniting over picnic feasts, and whole audiences singing along together.
The 2026 finale will maintain these beloved traditions, featuring the iconic sight of a Spitfire overhead, the thunderous boom of opening cannons, and a dazzling fireworks display.
The theme for the farewell event, "Best of the Best," promises a memorable evening as attendees celebrate nearly 50 years of performances and shared experiences.
And, Rigby told us there were surprises in store for guests:
"I think anybody who's been before will know the kind of tricks that we have up our sleeve.
"You know, there's cannons, there's fireworks, there's a spitfire flyover. But as has been the case for the last 16 years, at the heart of it is the music and the orchestra and some wonderful soloists we have.
"We've decided to do the highlights of many of the things that we've done over the last 16 years and things that have gone down so well repeatedly with the audience.
"So we have our wonderful tenor, Jesús León, that's flying in to do some opera arias.
"There'll be a couple of new things, but also the classics like Ness and Dormer and so on.
"And then we have 3 pop musical theatre soloists in the second-half that are all returning that have been with us over the years.
"So there's plenty in store. And as I say, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as well. There's a huge variety this year, as with other years."