Sublime music in a tranquil setting - The Dankworth Family Festival is an intimate meeting of style and class.
Artists performing this year include Lesley Garrett, John Williams, Emma Johnson and Charlie Wood. And Dame Cleo Laine will perform with her daughter Jacqui Dankworth.
Jacqui is also responsible for piecing together the thrilling bill. She talked to Total MK about this week's (July 14 - 16) very special family event...
How special is it to be MD of the Dankworth Family Festival this year?
I have taken on the role this and last year because it means so much, particularly to my mother and to the family.
The festival was started by my father about 15 years ago. I think he'd be very proud that I have had a go at organising it.
This year we have nominated The Beds and Northants MS Therapy Centre as our charity. My eldest brother Stuart has MS. It's been a major blow to the family. All profits after costs will go to them.
I have wonderful help and have built a good team of people who have thrown themselves into the madness!
Without them the festival would be lost. Running a festival is like having a baby I imagine - worth it after all the pain!
The musical contribution made by your parents is vast, but what does it mean to you?
I adore my parents and I'm extremely lucky that I also love their music.
To be so proud of the achievements of your folks is a lovely feeling. I don't quite know how they did it!
What will you be bringing to the musical party?
I'm performing on Saturday (July 15) with Craig Ogden, songs from our soon to be released album, I'm working with The Brodsky Quartet and on Sunday, I'm narrating with Peter Fisher's London Chamber Ensemble and guesting with my mother.
Encourage us to take a ticket - what can we expect at the event as a whole?
I'd advise everyone to buy the weekend ticket. It's fantastic value because you get the meal included on the Saturday night plus a free bottle of wine. Opening night with Lesley Garrett includes champagne and Canapés, and on Saturday - my goodness - four concerts including a late concert with Natalie Williams - soul diva and a dinner!
Sunday will be a blast - quite literally - kicking off with my brother's big band and leads up to Cleo and friends, including the great John Williams, with music and chat about Mum's life.
Kids come free aged 12 and under, and there is a crèche with activities to give kids a bit more fun.
And before we let you go, tell us a little more about your own plans. What are you currently working on?
I've recorded two albums: One with Craig Ogden which will be out soon and another with a chamber jazz ensemble called Butterfly Wing.
They are both projects very dear to my heart. Craig is an incredible guitarist and a brilliant musician, and so laid back.
I absolutely love working with him. Butterfly Wing are a group of world class jazz musicians and includes Chris Garrick on violin, Ben Castle on Cello and the genius of David Gorden on piano.
Sublime all round!
To book tickets for A Dankworth Family Festival click here
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