Two renowned soloists have joined the line-up at this summer’s Leeds Castle Classical Concert.

Joining the world-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Definitive Rat Pack on stage at the castle near Maidstone on Saturday, July 9, will be Anthony Flaum, who performed at last year’s event, and Frances McCafferty.

Artistic director John Rigby said: “It’s a joy to be able to welcome back Anthony Flaum to the Leeds Castle Classical Concert – he is emerging as one of the brightest rising stars of his generation and it’s wonderful that we have been able to secure his services for a second year.

"Frances McCafferty was a regular soloist at the concert a number of years ago and I am sure that she will be able to bring the best out of the audience’s contribution to proceedings in her own inimitable style."

Since her debut at the Royal Opera in 1997, Frances McCafferty has played many roles and created the role of Yeta Zimmerman in the world premiere of Nicholas Maw’s opera Sophie’s Choice. She has sung with Greek National Opera, the English Touring Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera.

Anthony Flaum, who performed at last year’s event, was a member of the 2011 Glyndebourne Festival Chorus, and has sung at festivals throughout Europe and made his BBC Proms debut in summer 2015 as Motel Kamzoil Fiddler on the Roof with the BBC Concert Orchestra. He will debut with the English National Opera this year.

Anthony said: "The walls of the castle are steeped in history and the pieces we’re performing match that sense of drama. There’s nothing I love more than looking out from the stage and seeing audiences forget about their daily lives and just revel in the music - they either sing or sway along or just close their eyes and escape."

The concert this year not only features popular classics but also some of John Williams’s most iconic film themes and a breathtaking flying display.

Early bird tickets, available until Sunday, May 1, cost £39 for picnic style tickets or £50 for reserved seating at the front. To book click here.

Parking opens at 2.30pm, with the concert site arena opening at 4.30pm. The evening ends at 10.15pm.