Previews & Features

Music fans will be transported back to the 1970s at Blickling Hall, with a show by David Essex, Les McKeown's Bay City Rollers and three of the Osmond brothers.

The acts will come together for the Once In A Lifetime show on Sunday, 15 July, 2007.

The open-air gig at the stately home, near Aylsham, in north Norfolk, is sure to get their fans' hearts fluttering once more as the '70s pin-ups belt out their best-known hits.

Heart-throb David Essex rose to fame in the musical Godspell and went on to enjoy success with Rock On, Lamplight and Hold Me Close.

At the height of their fame The Bay City Rollers were as well known for their tunes as their loyal army of tartan-wearing fans.

More than 30 years later, front man Les McKeown will revisit the band's catalogue including their chart-toppers Bye, Bye Baby and Give A Little Love.

Genesis co-founder Peter Gabriel is on his way

Three of the Osmond brothers will re-tread the steps of brother Donny who played at the venue in 2004.

Wayne, Jay and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here finalist Jimmy will perform their hits from the decade when flares were in fashion and long hair flowed.

Bryan Ferry, Madness and Peter Gabriel

Aside from the sounds of the '70s, smooth lyrics and rollicking rhythms are set to contrast at Blickling, with Bryan Ferry, Madness and Peter Gabriel also playing in the venue's lakeside setting.

The suave former Roxy Music front man is set to get pulses racing at his picnic-style concert on Friday, 13 July.

Bryan Ferry is returning to the region

Ex-Genesis front man Peter Gabriel will hammer home the hits on Saturday, 21 July, with fun and frolics promised when Madness air their enduringly popular hits on Sunday, 22 July, 2007.

10 years of gigging

To celebrate the venue's 10th year of staging gigs, an '80s party night with acts including Midge Ure, Banarama and Gloria Gaynor was announced at the end of last year.

The 10,000 tickets for the show have now sold out.

Shirley Donovan, Blickling Hall's events manager, said the concert milestone is something to look forward to.

"After 10 years I think the Blickling concert weekends have become a regular fixture for concert-goers in East Anglia," she said.

"With the Madness and Bryan Ferry gigs confirmed, the 10th Anniversary Party sold out it promises to be a special year at Blickling.

"As for adding Peter Gabriel to the line-up, I think he's a great artist to appear at Blickling.

Madness' Suggs at Thetford by Lee Allen

"With only Womad and Hyde Park Calling confirmed for his tour so far, I think it's a big name for Blickling" she added.

Welcome return

For Bryan Ferry and Madness, the Norfolk gigs will be a return to the region, following their outdoor shows at Thetford Forest in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

At Blickling, they will follow in the stage-strutting footsteps of Bryan Adams, Tom Jones, Simply Red and Will Young.

Organisers believe the broad range of star turns is what's attracted thousands of gig-goers a year.

"We pride ourselves on a good variety of artists to offer something that will appeal to all. The amazing lakeside venue here at Blickling creates a fantastic setting for a picnic-in-the-park-style concert," said Ms Donovan.

Call the 24-hour credit card hotline on 0870 400 0688 or visit the Blickling Hall box office. Disabled customers should call 0870 010 4900.