Inaugural summer outdoor concert at historic North Yorkshire house was a success – with plans to make it an annual event.
Earlier this month, Birdsall House hosted its very first outdoor concert, Birdsall Summer Live on Saturday 16 May, set within the spectacular parkland of the historic estate near Malton.
Surrounded by rhododendrons, festoon lighting and the dramatic backdrop of a 1,000-year-old monastic ruin, this historic country house provided an unforgettable setting for a unique summer concert.
Birdsall House has been owned by the same family for nearly five centuries. Dating back to Tudor times and remodelled in 1729, the house sits within landscaped grounds and views up to the Yorkshire Wolds.
The house remains the private family home of Lady Cara and James Willoughby, their
family and peacocks, that joined in the evening festivities.
The evening began with a curated programme of musical acts from across Yorkshire, all selected through the inaugural Birdsall House Talent Call, a talent search launched by Lady Cara to showcase local musicians.
Lady Cara said: “We are incredibly lucky to have such amazing musicians here in Yorkshire. We wanted Birdsall Summer Live to celebrate talented performers of different genres from across Yorkshire and we achieved that.”
Supporting artist included Flat Pack Music, a community-based charity from Rochdale with a purpose to bring opera to the masses, country folk singer Stevie Mould from Barlby whose unique take on Kenny Rodgers’ ‘The Gambler’ had everyone singing along. As well as jazz singer Lauren McNichol from Scarborough who captivated the audience with her soulful voice singing tunes by Corrine Bailey Rae and Amy Winehouse.
Headline act The Overtones had everyone up and dancing, carrying the party atmosphere into sundown. Darren Everest from the band said: “Singing one of our favourite songs, ‘Moon River’, under the moon was spine-tingling and something we rarely get to do in such a beautiful setting.
“Birdsall House is such a unique venue for a concert and we are honoured to have headlined the first ever concert in the parkland.”
Compèring the evening was local auctioneer and television personality Angus Ashworth, best known for The Yorkshire Auction House.
Despite the rainy drizzle throughout the performances, spirits remained high. Lady Cara added: “We were absolutely delighted with the atmosphere of the evening despite the less-than-ideal weather, luckily we’re a hardy lot here in Yorkshire!
“Nothing gives us more pleasure than hearing music throughout the house and, on this occasion, throughout the grounds.
“We hope Birdsall Summer Live will become an annual fixture in the North Yorkshire calendar.”
For more information about upcoming events at Birdsall House, visit their website here.
