Cleo Laine and Friends

The Dankworth family and friends get together for a weekend of world-class performances in a magical setting. Dame Cleo Laine plays host to a stellar line-up of artists on the eve of her 90th birthday as she once again opens to the public her enchanting private gardens at the Old Rectory for the 2017 Dankworth Family Festival.

Book three-day ticket, Fri-Sun £130
Book Friday ticket £45
Book Saturday ticket £55
Book Sunday ticket £55
Book Candlelit Buffet Dinner by Chef Betti Soldato, Saturday, £35

The event is organised in partnership with Blenheim Palace Festival of Literature, Film and Music, and is a preview event for this year’s Blenheim festival, which takes place at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, between Thursday October 12, and Sunday October 15, 2017. Proceeds from this year’s Dankworth Family Festival will go to the Beds and Northants Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre.

The line-up includes renowned vocalist Lesley Garrett with clarinet virtuoso Emma Johnson; the internationally acclaimed Brodsky Quartet; poet, playwright and novelist Ben Okri; jazz and soul vocalist/songwriter Natalie Williams; classical guitarist Craig Ogden; some very special guests – plus a full complement of Dankworths.

On Sunday afternoon, get set for Dame Cleo Laine and Friends (in anticipation of her upcoming 90th birthday) hosted by jazz vocalist and radio presenter Todd Gordon and featuring guest performances by classical guitar great John Williams, musician/comedian Earl Okin, violinists Chris Garrick and Peter Fisher, American vocalist Lorna Dallas, and many more.

The Old Rectory in Wavendon is a romantic Gothic revival greensand and limestone vicarage built in 1848 by architect William Butterfield.  The house has been home to the Dankworth family since the late 1960s.  Alec and Jacqui Dankworth grew up there and Dame Cleo lives there still.

The late Sir John Dankworth thought the idyllic, Victorian garden would be the perfect setting for his own music festival, which he started in the 1990s.  There are lots of interesting nooks and crannies which Sir John delighted in naming after beloved musicians, such as Acker’s Archway, a woodland pathway; Shearing’s Clearing, an area devoted to the British jazz legend; Tracey’s Trace, devoted to the great British pianist composer; to name but a few.

Dame Cleo’s beautiful garden will be one of the stars of the show.  On Saturday and Sunday, bring along a picnic basket, a blanket, a bottle or two of wine (no corkage fee – additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase), an umbrella and a smile and enjoy a summer picnic on the lawn.  Children 12 and under get in free, so bring the whole family.

PLEASE NOTE: Guests are kindly requested to use the main entrance of the Old Rectory, 3 Stockwell Lane (just follow the signs), rather than the Stables Theatre entrance or car park, which will be in use for other events. Limited on-site parking is available in the front driveway and front lawn of the Old Rectory on a first-come first-served basis. Nearby additional parking available throughout Wavendon village. The garden has full access for disabled guests.

For questions or further info, please contact info@perdido.co.uk