Pop sensations Blue are to headline an all-star line-up at Ripley Castle, near Harrogate, this summer.

Blue, who were voted the best new British band in this year's Brit Awards, will be supported by the ex-Steps duo H and Claire Richards in Ripley's Party In The Park on Saturday, July 27. Other star names will be announced soon.

The castle gates will open at 2pm and the music will start at 4pm. Blue, whose hits include All Rise, Too Close and If I Come Back, will play the final set and the evening is expected to finish at 10.30pm.

This outdoor pop extravaganza has been organised by the Malton-based Ian Martin Events, the company behind last year's Last Night At The Proms at Ripley Castle.

Managing director Ian Martin said: "We're delighted to be back at Ripley. This time it is a very different event from the Last Night At The Proms but the quality is equally high.

"These are top bands and underline that we're now a major player in the highly competitive pop and rock promotion business in the north of England. We're hoping to make the Ripley Party In The Park an annual occasion, just like Last Night At The Proms, which is back at Ripley this year on August 31".

Tickets, which cost £20 if bought before March 31, go on sale tomorrow through Ian Martin Events on 01653 699989.

Updated: 11:18 Tuesday, February 26, 2002