Leeds Castle to celebrate final concert after 48 years

This summer's Leeds Castle Concert will be the final one in its current format after 48 years, organisers have announced.

The operator, Heritage Events Ltd, has decided to step down from running live events at the end of the current contractual agreement, it said.

The final concert, which is set to take place at the Kent castle on 11 July, will be a "thoughtfully curated programme" featuring a full live orchestra and a fireworks display, said a spokesperson.

Fiona Pollard, managing director of the events company, said: "We've shared some exceptional evenings with wonderful audiences and, after more than a decade, we've decided that the 2026 concert will be the last."

Pollard said delivering the concert had been "a real honour".

"Our focus now is on bringing everything people love about this event together – the music, the atmosphere and the magic of this place – for one final truly memorable celebration," she added.

Dating back to 1978, the concert has hosted the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (RPO), West End performers and a Spitfire flypast.

John Rigby, the concert's long-standing conductor, said: "There is something truly special about performing with the RPO on stage at the Leeds Castle Concert: the music feels woven into the place itself, and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else."

Looking ahead, Leeds Castle is considering options for a future live music experience, but no plans have been confirmed yet.

A spokesperson for Leeds Castle said: "We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported the Leeds Castle Concert over the years, and we would also like to thank Heritage Events Ltd for their role in delivering the event.

"The 2026 concert will be an opportunity to celebrate its history and the many memories it has created."

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