The summer season is not complete without a good festival and Hampton Court Palace will not disappoint music lovers.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Alfie Boe: Ready to go

Although the days are dark and cold and summer may seem like a distant dream, the historic palace has pulled out all the stops for this year's Hampton Court Palace Festival.

Paloma Faith, Alfie Boe, John Wilson and the John Wilson Orchestra, Jools Holland and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra are all on the bill to perform in Henry VIII's open air courtyard in June.

The latest announcements this week were Alan Davies and Paul Merton, who will do a comedy double act at the festival, and ab-tastic Peter Andre, completing the stellar line up of acts. 

Jools Holland and his rhythm and blues orchestra open the festival on June 11 and 12, performing two shows which are expected to be packed to the brim with energy.

He will be joined by Gilson Lavis on drums and Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall for the open air concerts.

Chart favourite Paloma Faith has added a second date at the festival after her first night sold out within days. Known for her unique style, the Hackney born singer has gone from strength to strength, having been nominated for four Brit awards including British female solo artist and best British album.

Confirming her date at the festival, Faith says: "I'm so thrilled to be playing at Hampton Court Palace Festival this June.

"I hear that the atmosphere is so intimate in the open air setting of base court - it will be the perfect setting for my summer concert."

Britain's favourite tenor Alfie Boe returns for another performance at the palace, with his band performing classic tracks from a selection of his albums including the latest release, Serenata.

Boe's success has seen him conquer the world's most prestigious opera stages, leading the cast of Les Miserables for almost a year and stealing the show at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Hampton Court Palace: A beautiful setting

The MGM Studio Orchestra, revived by John Wilson and the John Wilson Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will also be on hand to delight crowds in the courtyard.

With the palace acting as a backdrop, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will perform tracks from the mainstream masters of classical music, culminating in Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks as colours light up the sky.

  • Hampton Court Palace Festival; Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Road, East Molesey; June 11 to June 19, show times vary from 8.30pm to 9pm; tickets from £45 to £70; visit hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com.