Hampton Court Palace Festival concluded a record-breaking run of shows tonight (Saturday 23 June) with a stunning performance from the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
Guests enjoyed an evening of breathtakingly beautiful music from the masters of classical music including Tchaikovsky, Strauss and Bizet, followed by an unforgettable fireworks display in the East Front Gardens of the palace.
This year’s Hampton Court Palace Festival has achieved more sell-out concerts than any previous year for the festival. Within the space of 18 days, the festival sold out 11 out of the 13 shows played in the intimate 3,000-seat auditorium in one of the palace’s Tudor courtyards, Base Court. The first of Gary Barlow’s concerts sold out in the fastest ever time for the festival in less than two hours.
Now in its 26th year, this year’s festival had truly special and unique open-air concerts against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s magnificent Tudor Palace. Festivalgoers have been dancing the night away to the likes of Lionel Ritchie, Gary Barlow, Paloma Faith, Tom Jones, The Beach Boys, Jools Holland and Joe Bonamassa.
The festival has received high praise this year, being described as ‘pure pleasure’ (Daily Telegraph), ‘prestigious’ (London Evening Standard), ‘a perfect setting for rock royalty’ (Sunday Mirror) and a ‘run of spectacular shows at one of the UK’s grandest of venues’ (Sunday Express).
This year also saw the addition of the brand new outdoor acoustic stage, the Viking Stage supported by Viking, the award-winning cruise line. Attendees watched acoustic performances from some of the UK’s exciting new talent in the East Front Gardens before each concert whilst enjoying their picnics and drinks, with festival picnics prepared by British Fine Foods and champagne provided by Champagne PIAFF. Also new this year was a larger Theatre Bar installed inside the festival’s auditorium.
Hampton Court Palace Festival is well-known for its unrivalled VIP experiences which did not fail to impress this year. Guests immersed themselves in regal grandeur in the palace’s magnificent state apartments for an exceptional three-course dinner fit for a king, prepared for each night of the festival and accompanied by fine wines throughout. Festivalgoers also soaked up the pre-concert atmosphere with elegant alfresco dining in exclusive Waterside Gazebos in the East Front Gardens.
Stephen Flint Wood, Managing Director of Arts & Entertainment, IMG said: ‘We are absolutely delighted with the record-breaking success of this year’s Hampton Court Palace Festival. Every concert has been of a truly world-class standard performed in the palace’s intimate historic auditorium, providing an unforgettable experience for all of our guests.’
Published on 25 June 2018 by Ben Robinson
