Previews & Features

UK rock institution Status Quo and pop stars Girls Aloud, Jamelia and Shayne Ward are to strut the stage during two picnic-style shows at Holkham Hall.

Girls Aloud will launch into their string of hits at the outdoor concert on Friday, 31 August, 2007.

Girls Aloud will be there

The harmonising beauties will take over the second half of the gig, being held in the picturesque grounds of the coastal stately home. 

They will be joined on the bill by fellow reality talent show winner Shayne Ward, who scooped the X-Factor title in 2005.

With his second album on its way, the Manchester heart-throb will be expecting to air some new songs alongside his chart-topping debut, That's My Goal. 

Stunning singer Jamelia - best-known for her radio-friendly hits Superstar and Thank You - is the third star on the line-up.

The star has three albums' worth of material to select during her set - which is likely to swing from pop to R 'n' B and soulful numbers.

Rock legends

The gig will end in an eye-catching firework display, as will Status Quo's show on the next night, Saturday, 1 September, 2007.

The band will be supported by rock newcomers Macara, who are due to tour with Thin Lizzy at the end of the year.

BBC Radio Norfolk is the official media partner for the concert, which promises to be a sing-along chronicle of the Quo's past 40 years.

"We take our music very seriously at BBC Radio Norfolk and we're thrilled to be involved with a band who have had hit records throughout our listeners' lives," said station editor David Clayton.

"Our partnership should give our listeners some unique opportunities to get involved with the concert at one of the most stunning venues Norfolk has to offer."

Quo in the car

Listen to Quo In The Car on BBC Radio Norfolk, a special one-off programme on Saturday, 1 September, broadcast straight after the Quo gig at Holkham Hall.

Featuring your calls and reaction to the gig, along with rare clips from Quo interviews with the BBC over the years. Tune in on 95.1, 95.6 and 104.4FM or listen live via this website.

Second year of shows

It's the second year that Holkham Hall owner Viscount Coke has opened the gates of the Palladian family home for large-scale concerts.

Last summer, blues maestro Jools Holland and opera star Jose Carreras entertained music lovers.

"We are thrilled to have such high-profile names coming to Holkham this year," said Viscount Coke.

"It is a very different line-up to last year but we believe the contrast of the two evenings will appeal to a wide range of people and ages."

Up to 10,000 fans are expected on both nights. The gates open at 6pm, with the shows starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets costing £37.50 plus booking fee are available from the main ticketline on 0871 424 4444 until midday on each day of the concerts.

They can be bought in person at Holkham's Ancient House gift shop until 5pm on the day of the shows, at Pinewoods Holiday Park in Wells until 7pm (no booking fee) or Archant's newspaper offices in Norwich, Cromer and Great Yarmouth.