Cinema under the stars, opera and soul music, and children's shows will all be staged in an open air festival at a Kent castle this summer.

The Hever Festival at Hever Castle runs from Saturday, May 27 through to Sunday, August 27.

The open air festival features live music, plays, jazz, opera, comedy, cinema and family shows.

Gates open at 6.30pm for evening performances at 8pm, guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy on the summer’s evening.

Festival director Anna Skinner said: "I am passionate about live theatre and believe there is a performance to be enjoyed by everyone. I hope we have come close to realising this in our summer season for 2017."

The season kicks off on Saturday, May 27 with the Rat Pack – Swingin' at the Sands, followed by a children’s show for half term week, The Emperor’s New Clothes on Wednesday, May 31 and Thursday, June 1 by outdoor theatre company Illyria, followed by Soul Legends on Friday, June 2.

The highlights for July and August include Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance, Shakespeare and Ayckbourn plays, and a new production of the rip-roaring Nell Gwynn through to music from 80s Mania, The Carpenters and Kate Bush, dinosaurs in The Lost World and comedy from Andy Parsons.

There will also be a week of open air cinema from Tuesday, August 22 to Friday, August 25.

For a full programme and tickets go to heverfestival.co.uk or call the box office during office hours on 01732 866114.