The grounds of How Hill House, near Ludham, will again be the setting for an open air concert in July.

More than 1,000 revellers basked in evening sunshine and listened to the Norwich Pops Orchestra at last year's inaugural event.

This year's Music for a Summer Evening, on July 5, will feature Norfolk's Jonathan Wyatt Big Band supported by three female vocalists.

It has again been jointly organised by Ludham Parochial Church Council and the trustees of How Hill which runs environmental education courses throughout the year.

How Hill director Simon Partridge said: 'The Norwich Pops Orchestra were terrific and played wonderfully well but we want to attract as many different types of music lovers as possible to How Hill, hence the reason for choosing something different this time.

'Swing music is incredibly popular at the moment, with Robbie Williams recording a swing album, and our concert is already generating more interest than the same time last year.'

Ken Grapes, who is chairman of the PCC, had long seen How Hill as a perfect venue with its idyllic views over the River Ant and has been the driving force behind the event.

He said: 'A big part of the appeal is enjoying a picnic at such a special place.'

Jonathan Wyatt has been leading the band, which captures the sound of the big band era, for more than 25 years.

The band has an extensive library including numbers made famous by the bands of such legends as Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Count Basie as well as some new arrangements by some of the country's leading composers.

Concert proceeds will support How Hill's educational work as well as renovation projects at Ludham's St Catherine's Church. For tickets ring 01692-678555.