SOUTH Yorkshire soprano Lesley Garrett, 62, will headline the 2018 Castle Howard Proms Spectacular on August 18 in the grounds of the grand North Yorkshire country house.

Tickets go on sale today for this summer's al fresco picnic concert, which will fit 120 performers on stage, including a 70-strong choir and the London Gala Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Bell.

The Proms programme will take in Handel’s Zadok The Priest, Bizet’s Habanera, Verdi’s Grand March from Aida and Grieg’s In The Hall Of The Mountain King, culminating in the customary rousing favourites for flag-waving and singalong accompaniment, including Rule Britannia and Land Of Hope & Glory, as myriad lasers and fireworks light up the night sky.

Nicholas Howard, of Castle Howard, says: "Having such a magnificent spectacle take place just outside your home is a real privilege, and it is a delight for our family that we are able to host and share this event with so many people. We’re particularly pleased to be welcoming Yorkshire’s own Lesley Garrett for this special evening."

Mark Harrison, creative producer for concert organisers LPH Concerts, says: "We’re really excited to be organising this epic Proms concert for Castle Howard. We’ll be making further announcements during the forthcoming weeks, but expect to see special guests, star soloists, support acts and much more. This year’s concert promises to be the best yet and we’re all really looking forward to it."

Tickets can be booked at lphconcerts.co.uk. Prices are £28 for adults, £5 for children aged five to 16, until April 3; £33 and £5, April 4 to August 17; £39 and £5 on the day, subject to availability. Accompanied children under five are admitted for free.