FOLLOWING a successful debut last summer, Sounds in the Grounds is set to return for a second socially-distanced picnic concert.

Complying with Covid-19 guidelines, Sounds in the Grounds brings great live music to the Clocktower Enclosure of York Racecourse on June 25, 26 and 27.

Audiences can come together and enjoy three evenings of best-loved and internationally renowned bands from their own designated picnic patch – for two, four or six people – which will be socially-distanced from others but close enough to share the fun.

In fully-staged productions with LED screens on either side of the stage, Sounds in the Grounds features acts including Beyond the Barricade, featuring past principals from Les Misérables in the West End performing songs from musicals; ABBA Mania; and A Country Night in Nashville.

Also this summer, returning to last year’s venues of Scampston Hall near Malton from June 11 to 13 and Ripley Castle near Harrogate from August 20 to 22 are a new line-up of ever-popular bands: The Definitive Rat Pack featuring an uncannily accurate recreation of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr in a sublime evening of swing; a spectacular rock ‘n’ rollercoaster ride through four decades of the legendary Tina Turner’s greatest hits in One Night of Tina; and Killer Queen, who recreate the iconic songs and showmanship of one of the greatest ever rock bands with such electrifying precision audiences may wonder if they’re back in the 80s at a real Queen performance.

Sounds in the Grounds concerts are designed to comply with all official guidance on Covid-19, ensuring audiences can enjoy live music outdoors in a safe and responsible way. The picnic patches will be defined by painted lines in the grass arena within the grounds, with views of the stately home or racecourse and grandstands. They will be set out in alternating rows, of patches for two people, followed by a row of patches for four people, then for six people. The patches have been designed to be one metre apart within each row, with two-metre aisles between the rows.

Producer James Cundall says “After the success of Sounds in the Grounds last summer, we are thrilled to add the Clocktower Enclosure of York Racecourse to our list of prestigious venues! These picnic concerts are a great opportunity to get together and enjoy a fun night of live music in a safe, socially distanced way. From the glorious Broadway classics to Dancing Queen and Dolly Parton, I hope we have something for everyone.”

He adds, “Without doubt the New York Brass Band is one of York’s best exports and it will be wonderful to get them on stage in their home city. Importantly it’s an opportunity for both musicians and crew to showcase their talent again after months of inactivity during these difficult times.”

“Our picnic patch concept enables patrons to pre-book their own designated space, thereby eliminating that mad scramble for the best site which often mars an outdoor concert! Our audiences can turn up when it suits them and know they will have a safe and fun evening.”

Sounds in the Grounds will take place at the Clocktower Enclosure at York Racecourse from 25-27 June 2021, as well as Scampston Hall near Malton from 11-13 June 2021, and from 20-22 August 2021 at Ripley Castle near Harrogate. Tickets for all concerts are on sale now and start at £59 (plus booking fees) for a standard picnic patch for two people. Tickets can be purchased at https://soundsinthegrounds.seetickets.com.