Summer may seem a distant dream but Hampton Court Palace has made sure there is more than sunshine to look forward to, with the announcement of the line-up for next year’s festival.

George Benson, the Beach Boys, Jamie Cullum, Rick Astley and Jason Donovan, Jools Holland and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will all perform in Henry VIII’s open air courtyard.

Ten-time Grammy award-winner George Benson will perform hits from his impressive back catalogue including Give Me the Night, Lady Love Me and Turn Your Love Around as well as songs from his latest album Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole.

The Beach Boys are sure not to disappoint with their top hits, including Good Vibrations, Wouldn’t It Be Nice and Surfs Up.

UK jazz artist Jamie Cullum will make his festival debut and pop sensations Rick Astley and Jason Donovan will perform a double-headliner singing all their big hits.

Astley says: “I am overjoyed to be playing at Hampton Court Palace.

“I’ve just moved and now live four minutes away, so Jason and I are going to have a garden party before the concert. It’ll be like a home gig and the perfect way you start the summer.”

Astley rose to fame in the 1980s and dominated charts around the world.

He still holds the record of being the only male solo artist to have his first eight singles reach the UK top 10 and in 2008 he won best act ever at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Donovan has had a glittering career since the days of Neighbours and his subsequent success in the world of pop music.

He had taken up leading stage roles in Joseph, the Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Priscilla and the Sound of Music.

A sell-out favourite at Hampton Court Palace Festival, festival, Jools Holland will open the summer concerts.

The OBE will be joined by Gilson Lavis and special guests including Melanie C, Marc Almond, Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra also returns to the festival for another spectacular classical evening performing Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Grieg and Elgar.

Hampton Court Palace Festival; Hampton Court Palace; June 12 to 24; Tickets on sale, various prices; visit hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com.