Never was there a more perfect combination of Kentish scenery and weather than last night's Leeds Castle Classical Concert.

A whopping 12,500 people went along to the 40th anniversary concert in the sun-drenched setting of the castle grounds near Maidstone and what a night they had.

Thanks to the balmy weather, the crowds basked in the sunshine late into the evening and even as the sun went down and the fireworks went up, there was little need to reach for blankets and jumpers.

Compering in the summer sun was John Rigby, combining his duties effortlessly with his job of conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - no mean feat.

Tradition and pomp and ceremony was dished out with The Band of the Grenadier Guards, and later the field guns fired to the music during the firework finale provided some spectacular sights.

The Patriot Girls - Joanne Pullen, Jo Gibb and Marissa Dunlop Bidwell - warmed up the crowd before spectacular soloists took to the stage.

Louise Dearman and Canadian Tim Howar sang to the crowd for the first time, while making a return was local girl, soprano Katie Bird, whose family were in the crowd, and tenor Alexander James Edwards who performed a crowd-pleasing and rousing Nessun Dorma.

All the favourites were there, including a personal favourite, Clair de Lune and even Land of Hope and Glory.

One of the non-musical highlights was the Headcorn-based Aero Legends Spitfire being flown overhead, this year by "Parky" who performed some spectacular mid-air manoeuvres to the delight of the thousands watching.

As it was the concert's 40th anniversary, there was a special atmosphere, with a larger crowd and many had pulled out the stops with their costumes this year.

As people packed up their picnics for the race to the car park, there was a treat for those who stayed, with extra fireworks and a 70s medley of tunes, including How Deep Is Your Love and for those who raced off, sang along on the way to their cars.

The event is sponsored by Brachers. Jo Worby, managing partner, said: “It was a delight to return as headline sponsors of Leeds Castle Classical Concert and to be part of their 40th anniversary celebrations. The concert is such an iconic event for the county and showcases one of Kent’s most spectacular tourist attractions, Leeds Castle.”

Here's to the next 40 years!