2014 Hampton Court Palace Festival will host George Benson, The Beach Boys, Jamie Cullum, Rick Astley & Jason Donovan, Jools Holland and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will all perform in Henry VIII’s open air courtyard.
The Beach Boys will go on sale on Wednesday 18th December, but all other shows are on sale now.
The ten-time Grammy award-winner George Benson will perform hits from his impressive back catalogue including Give Me The Night, Lady Love Me (One More Time) and Turn Your Love Around on 23rd June as well as songs from his latest album Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole
The Beach Boys who are known as the ultimate American rock band from California will be gracing the audience with their musical talents on 24th June. Known for their top hits including: Good Vibrations, Wouldn’t It Be Nice and Surfs Up, The Beach Boys have sold in excess of 100 million records worldwide. With 28 studio albums and 4 live albums to choose from we are sure they will not disappoint.
We are thrilled that the most successful UK jazz artist ever, Jamie Cullum will make his Festival debut on 17th June. With a Grammy, two Golden Globe, two BRIT, GQ Music Man of the Year, Sony Radio Award under his belt, Jamie will treat the audience to his classic hits and songs from his new album Momentum.
On 20th June, pop sensations Rick Astley and Jason Donovan will perform a double-headliner singing all their big hits. On confirming his slot at the Festival, Rick said:
“I am overjoyed to be playing at Hampton Court Palace this year. I’ve just moved and now live four minutes away, so Jason and I are going to have a garden party before the concert. It’ll be like a home gig and the perfect way you start the summer.”
Pop sensation Rick Astley rose to fame in the 1980s and dominated the charts around the world. He still holds the record of being the only male solo artist to have his first 8 singles reach the UK Top Ten and in 2008 he won ‘Best Act Ever’ at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Rick’s unique soulful and engaging performance continues to wow audiences wherever he goes. We look forward to an evening of all the hits, including the song that shot him to fame ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’.
Star of stage and screen Jason Donovan has had a glittering career since the days of ‘Neighbours’ and his subsequent success in the world of pop music. Since that time, he has rarely been away from stage or screen including leading stage roles in ‘Joseph’, ‘The Rocky Horror Show’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, ‘Priscilla’ and ‘The Sound of Music’. Jason continues to be a well-loved household name, and delighted TV audiences by reaching the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ final, as well as being mentor and judge on ITV’s ‘Superstar’. Jason will treat us to classic hits including ‘Sealed with a Kiss’ and ‘Nothing Can Divide Us’.
Always a sellout favorite at the Festival, Jools Holland will open the summer concerts. His passion for music has made him a doyen of the music scene, and he was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry. Jools’ phenomenal success has seen him sell millions of records throughout the course of his career and he holds the unique status of performing with musicians who have achieved success in every decade of the 20th Century. He will be joined by the fantastic Gilson Lavis and special guests include Melanie C and Marc Almond and guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall who together with Jools and his fantastic Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will raise the roof of the magnificent Palace once again.
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra also returns to the Festival for another spectacular classical evening. Conducted by Ben Palmer, the Orchestra will perform scores from the mainstream masters of classical music: from Mozart to Tchaikovsky, Grieg to Elgar and Debusy to Strauss. A fireworks display will provide a visual fanfare to round off this superb evening.
In addition to the music, Hampton Court Palace Festival is renowned for creating a truly unforgettable experience. Artists perform in the historic main courtyard of the magnificent Tudor Palace providing an intimate atmosphere for an audience of 3,000. An exclusive VIP Package is available in the State Apartments and Festival-goers can also arrive early (doors open at 5pm) to enjoy picnics on the Palace Garden lawn or underneath a luxury waterside gazebo before the show.