THE tenth anniversary of a summer fundraising concert in the grounds of of an 18th century manor is set to host more than four times the number of people who attended the inaugural event.

Thirsk Action Group, organisers of Thirsk Picnic In The Park, said interest in the outdoors concert and fireworks display continued to grow and there had been strong ticket sales ahead of the event they have billed as the grandest yet.

With fair weather forecast, about 2,000 people are expected at the event on Saturday (July 11) at Thirsk Hall will feature Robbie Williams and Blues Brothers tribute acts and local party band Citizen Smith starting the programme at 6.30pm on an extended stage.

The new Paddington Bear, as seen in the film, will make an appearance in the arena at 7.15pm and will be giving away free gifts to the children attending the event, which will also feature a Pimms bar, a charity cake stall, a vintage vehicle bar, and food stands.

At 7.40pm, Jake and Elwood, who hit the headlines in 2006 after being granted leave to wear sunglasses on their photo driving licences, will be joined by a 13-piece band to perform songs from the 1980 cult movie.

Headlining the show at about 9.30pm will be JK, who has been dubbed the world's leading tribute to the former Take That member.

Organisers Sue Calvert and Jane Burgess, who founded the event, said funds raised would be given to Action Medical Research (AMR), one of the country's leading medical charities.

Mrs Calvert said: “We have come a long way over the ten years. We feel that each year we try to bring exciting performers to Thirsk Picnic appealing to a spectrum of ages, including toddlers, young teens and last year we had an audience member who was almost 90."

She said the event continued to receive strong support from the community and sound and lighting firm Viking Productions as well as sponsorship from The Northern Echo's sister paper, The Darlington & Stockton Times, Steven J Dresser Electrical Contractors, Beechwood Leisure, and Todds Waste Management.

Show-goers are invited to take a picnic or buy food on site.

For tickets, costing £22 for adults, £14 for children aged 12 to 16 and free for under-11s, visit Thirsk Tourist Information Centre, or call 01845-522755.