It has been something of an annual tradition for jazz fans in the area – a month and more of summer weekend's spent soaking up the sun (and sometimes taking in the rain) at Wavendon's tranquil Rectory Gardens with music at its heart, sounding out from under the canopy, writes Sammy Jones.
It was the brainchild of the much-missed Sir John Dankworth whose passion for his beloved jazz was infectious, and led him to open his gardens to likeminded souls for an unfussy, fab time investing in sounds, and sometimes theatre.
Past guests have included Fenella Fielding, Darius Brubeck and Alexander Strong, and too many others to mention, from music and beyond.
Having shown just how wonderful the season was (especially when accompanied by a glass of properly prepared Pimms on the lawn), we feel mean to share that you won't be able to indulge in the tradition this year, with a number of factors apparently being taken into account before making the difficult decision not to go ahead.
But all is not lost; grab your diaries and block out July 16 and 17 – when Dame Cleo will open her gardens for The Dankworth Family Festival.
As you might expect, the line-up will be another grand one, coming as it does with a 'full complement of Dankworths.
Blues in the Park on the Saturday will see an appearance by Maureen Lipman, Jeremy Robson and friends, before Dame Cleo will be joined by family and friends to deliver under the title of Shakespeare and all that Jazz.
That they've chosen to work the Bard into the programme in this anniversary year is no coincidence, nor is it anything new for Cleo – as her acclaimed 1964 album Shakespeare and All That Jazz proved.
On the Sunday, Jacqui Dankworth will be joined by guitarist Craig Ogden for Memories of the Alhambra, before her brother Alec takes over with his daughter Emily for Spanish Accents.
The Old Rectory oozes charm and music in parallel, and Sir John's magic is still present everywhere – right down to the 'interesting nooks and crannies' Sir John named after beloved musicians – Acker's Archway and Shearing's Clearing to name but two.
Picnic blankets, umbrellas (well, just in case) and wine at the ready for a splendid weekend of the wonderful, and you can get the party started early if you like; on the Friday evening (July 15) Jacqui Dankworth will be joined in musical play by her husband Charlie Wood at The Venue MK.
The show will see them cut loose material from their Just You, Just Me project.
Tap to ticketsource.co.uk/perdidorecords to secure bookings.
