AN open air jazz concert set against the backdrop of Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden will take place for the first time on Saturday, July 20.

‘Jazz in the Garden’ will see a performance by four-piece The Kraken who take audiences ‘on a trip from John Coltrane to Nina Simone via Pearl Bailey, Jazz, funk and a little bit of blues’.

They will be joined by solo musician, saxophonist Andre Adams, for a series of sets between 7pm and 10pm where people can also relax with a bite to eat and a tipple.

Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs or rugs and blankets and everything else will be taken care of with The Artisan Bar Company selling a wide range of drinks and street food, including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options to select from.

Kate Fitch, community outreach officer, said: “We’re trying to broaden the appeal of the Walled Garden and it lends itself to outdoor events, particularly in the summer.

“For example we recently welcomed Illyria for an open air performance of The Tempest for Stockton Heath Festival and that went really well.

“It’s always a show that sells out.”

Warrington Guardian:

The performance will be the first live music event at the Green Flag award-winning four acre site, built by Warrington banker Thomas Parr in 1830, in years. The idea is to introduce new audiences to the gardens.

Moore resident Kate added: “It will be in the centre of the pleasure gardens and between the ponds will be the main focus of the event.

“It adds to the atmosphere.

“It’s quite a special setting with beautiful surroundings.

“We’re hoping it will be memorable for people with a relaxed vibe and hopefully the sun will shine. The Artisan Bar Company are devising a special cocktail for the evening as well so that will be quite nice.

“We have 200 tickets and sales are going quite well so we advise would-be visitors to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.”

Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden, on Witherwin Avenue, is better known as a spot for a walk among the herbaceous borders and ponds and a place where you can learn about growing your own in the kitchen garden and glasshouses where all manner of fruits and vegetables are cultivated.

But Kate said ‘Jazz in the Garden’ will be used to gauge interest for future special events at evenings and weekends.

She added: “We can build on this and see how well it is received and get feedback on whether people want more of the same or something different.”

The garden currently opens for visitors in the afternoons.

Jazz in the Garden takes place next Saturday, July 20, between 7pm and 10pm.

Gates open at 6.30pm.

Tickets are £12 for adults and £5 for under 16s.

Search for Jazz in the Garden on eventbrite.co.uk or call Kate on 213638 for more details and to buy tickets.