Summer Swing at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

July 2010

Summer Swing, 6 – 10 July 2010. Presented by Wines of South Africa

Swing into Summer at Kew Gardens’ annual ‘party for the planet’, as musical legends from jazz, rock and pop create five nights of musical magic topped with a fabulous firework finale. London’s famous picnic concerts at Kew Gardens are set against the glorious Victorian Temperate House, which is adorned with live screens, making sure it’s an all-singing, all-dancing and all-action packed evening!

Tuesday 6th July - Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

Kew’s favourite master of the ivories is back with his sensational 18 piece band for an evening of foot-stomping frivolity and some serious boogie woogie! Jools is joined by the extraordinarily talented Gilson Lavis, drumming up the pace for guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall.

Wednesday 7th July - Björn Again and The Original Bucks Fizz

You don’t have to Take a Chance with Björn Again, they are acknowledged to be one of the most entertaining live rock shows in the world! They look like ABBA, dress like ABBA and sound like ABBA as they belt out some of the best soundtracks imaginable. Bring out the bubbly as The Original Bucks Fizz with Cheryl, Jay and Mike make their debut at Kew in a night of skirt-ripping nostalgia. Winners of the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest with Making your Mind Up, Bucks Fizz became one of the top selling groups of the 80s.

Thursday 8th July - Dancing in the Streets

The energy, excitement and emotion of Motown is back with an electrifying performance direct from the West End’s hit show Dancing in the Streets. A full company of singers, dancers and a 10 piece band will celebrate Motown’s greatest hits, in this spectacular celebration of classic music from the heart of the Motor City. Expect all the old favourites, from The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye to Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and many many more.

Friday 9th July - The Bootleg Beatles in Concert and The UK Beach Boys

Grab ‘Your Ticket to Ride’ through the 60s with the world’s premier Beatles tribute band as the fab four return to Kew with their fabulous string and brass ensemble. You’ll relive ‘Beatlemania’ as this spectacular multi-media stage production features all the classic Beatles hits. From Liverpool to Southern California, as Kew surfs to the close vocal harmonies of the UK’s top tribute to the Beach Boys, the number one selling American band of all time. Coached by Beach Boy Adrian Baker to ensure the most authentic ‘good vibrations’, this evening will be fun fun fun all the way!

Saturday 10th July - Another Kind of Magic Queen: A Symphonic Rock Spectacular

The music of the legendary rock band Queen gets a full theatrical workout in this explosive and high energy concert. Featuring stars past and present from the West End hit musical, ‘We Will Rock You’, a full rock band and the renowned National Symphony Orchestra power their way through Queen’s greatest hits. This staged concert features 23 of their greatest hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, We are the Champions, Don’t Stop Me Now, and many many more…

Swing sponsor, Wines of South Africa, will be offering concert-goers the chance to sample a wide range of fabulous wines from the Cape. Their exciting range of red wines, chilled white, rose and sparkling wines, will also be available to purchase at the event, all at retail prices, so there’s no need to carry heavy bottles to Kew Gardens. The vineyards of South Africa sit in the same footprint as the Cape Floral Kingdom, a biodiversity hotspot and world heritage site. The wine industry is committed to conserving this natural phenomenon and is setting aside land on wine farms to protect the natural flora and fauna of the Cape. For more information visit www.winesofsa.com

For further information, photographs and interview opportunities please call:

Sue Eyles, Bluebird Associates Ltd, 01628 638001, sue@bluebirdmedia.co.uk
Or contact the Kew Press Office on 020 8332 5607, pr@kew.org

Notes to Editors

Each ticket sold supports Kew’s vital plant science and conservation work around the world.

Tickets and booking information

Tuesday 6th, Friday 9th, Sat 10th £35
Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th £32.50
24 hour ticket hotline: 0871 231 0834
Or book online at www.seetickets.com
Group discounts apply on some nights, call 0844 412 4650 for details
Booking fee of £2 per transaction applies.
Carer of disabled customer and children under 5 yrs go free. Children aged 5 and over require a full price ticket.
Tickets on Sale from 1st March 2010

VIP Hospitality call 01932 710970 or visit www.ambro-events.com
Picnic Hampers – to collect at concert – see www.kew.org/swingpicnics or call 0871 231 0834

Gates open 6.30pm. Concert starts 7.30pm. Firework finale at 10.15pm
No seating is provided, so bring blankets, folding chairs and picnics