Blenheim Palace unveils new music festival plan

Plans for a new five-day music and arts festival at Blenheim Palace have been unveiled.

Announcing the event, organisers said it would feature an "eclectic line-up of global superstars, award-winning artists, and emerging talent".

The palace's chief executive, Dominic Hare, said the festival, which will first be held in summer 2026, "marks a new chapter" for the Unesco World Heritage site.

Earlier this week, Nocturne Live Oxfordshire revealed that, after ten years, it would no longer be staging its outdoor music festival at the stately home.

"Our historic landscape will offer a spectacular backdrop for a new kind of festival – one that's rooted in tradition but designed for the future," Mr Hare said.

"Blenheim has been synonymous with hosting live music events for over 20 years and we hope that the new collaboration will continue that tradition."

Mr Hare also thanked those involved with "successfully" organising Nocturne Live over the past decade.

Having begun in 2015, Nocturne Live saw artists including Kylie Minogue, Lionel Richie and Elton John play to crowds of thousands in the palace's courtyard.

The event marked its final edition at the palace last weekend with performances from Nile Rogers and Chic, The Corrs, Richard Ashcroft and Gary Barlow.

Unveiling its plans, Blenheim Palace Festival said the new festival would "showcase immersive cultural programming and innovative culinary experiences" alongside the musical performances.

It is a collaboration between leading live music promoters Cuffe & Taylor, a Live Nation company, and event producers IMG Arts & Entertainment.

"This is an extraordinary moment for live events in the UK," Peter Taylor, from Cuffe & Taylor, said.

"Blenheim Palace is one of the most extraordinary locations in the country - to launch a major new festival here is incredibly exciting," he added.

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