ELVIS Costello, Katie Melua and Will Young are among the stars booked to perform at the summer's Kenwood House concerts.

Organisers of the event at the Heathside mansion described the line-up, which was revealed this week, as "probably the best ever".

Singer-songwriter Elvis Costello and his band The Imposters will kick-off proceedings on the opening night on July 2.

He follows in the footsteps of his wife, Diana Krall, who performed at the venue two years ago.

Other highlights include multiple Brit Award winner Will Young on July 30 and Katie Melua on the penultimate night August 27.

Proceedings will culminate with the traditional Last Night of the Kenwood Proms, which includes tenor Robert Meadmore.

Organisers of the event, called Music on a Summer Evening, were keen to stress that the programme of performers offered something for fans of all music genres.

Jennie Halsall, spokeswoman for Music on A Summer Evening, said: "We are trying to bring as much variety to Kenwood as possible and with the line up, although there is always something for everyone, this year it is even more so.

"We have got everything and we are trying to bring exclusives to Kenwood as it is such an amazing venue."

New Zealand's platinum selling artist Hayley Westenra will perform with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra [ED: 9th July], the cast from the West End musical Grease will sing classic songs from the show and Cuba's Ibrahim Ferrer, the leading voice of the Buena Vista Social Club, will provide something for salsa fans.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, The Bootleg Beatles, and the Classic FM Opera Gala complete the line-up.

Ms Halsall said: "It should be very special. There will be shuttle buses to the venue from Golders Green and Hampstead stations and free ice cream and chocolate for everybody."

Tony Ghilchik, chairman of the Heath sub-committee for the Heath and Hampstead Society, said he hoped neighbours would not be disturbed by loud music.

"My main worry is the sound system does not overflow the site and disturb neighbours.

"I know this year they (concert organisers) are trying very hard to change it so there will not be as much overflow.

"The concerts are not to everyone's tastes and I am sure there are some who will love it and others who will not."

Tickets went on sale at the start of the week and are priced between £16 and £33.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.picnicconcerts.com

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