A TRIBUTE to musical icon Elton John launches this year’s Tatton Pop Up Music Festival.
The Rocket Man will take visitors down the Yellow Brick Road on the same night the real Elton is performing at London’s Hyde Park.
Crocodile Rock and Your Song will be celebrated on Friday, June 24 on the lakeside of Tatton Park in Knutsford.
The concert heralds the start of a spectacular summer extravaganza of 35 shows over seven weeks.
Cheshire’s first Pop Up Festival was started last year by Knutsford mum Rebecca Hartley.
Once again, 100 hospitality jobs will be created and every effort is being made to employ local people.
Local suppliers and contractors will also be hired.
The inspirational entrepreneur launched her own business, Saving Grace Events, after battling breast cancer.
Rebecca, 45, who conquered the disease eight years ago, said: “I found the lump by accident.
“I had gruelling treatment, multiple operations and a double mastectomy.
“I am one of the lucky ones. Seven years on and I am fit and healthy.”
This year’s festival promises to give concert goers a unique chance to relax with family and friends.
“I always wanted to create an entire experience,” said Rebecca.
“I wanted it to be different to other festivals. The quality of the food, the type of drinks, the lakeside setting and service to the table, is all about a boutique experience.”
An new VIP lounge with a separate bar and toilets will give guests the chance to chill out before and during the concerts.
Branded deckchairs, rattan garden furniture, parasols and wooden crate tables will be in place again.
Each event will accommodate up to 1,200 guests, seated in squares of four, five or six guests.
“We have kept the concept the same but we wanted to refine it,” said Rebecca.
“We have brought back a lot of favourites and introduced some new exciting surprises.”
Jurassic Earth, a popular dinosaur experience show where clever animatronics bring the Jurassic era to life are on the bill for the opening weekend, Saturday, June 25.
Abba Mia the Party will be on stage on Sunday, June 26, with a fusion of the band’s famous hits, Mamma Mia films and dancing.
Famous faces include Martin Kemp Back to the 80s and Craig Charles Funk and Social Club.
Comedians and a selection of children’s entertainers and family shows are included in the programme.
A Proms Night featuring an orchestra and firework display will mark the final night on Sunday, August 7.
Rebecca has renewed a three-year contract with Tatton Park and hopes the festival will become an annual event and help boost the local economy.
“I am passionate about Knutsford,” said Rebecca.
"I am so excited to see the return of the Tatton Pop Up Festival this summer.
"Last year's event was spectacular and we had such overwhelming support that we knew we had to bring this experience back to Cheshire for another run.
“There is a great community spirit here in Knutsford, people really get behind things.
“It is a lovely town with lovely people.
“There is a great business community and we want to be a fundamental part of that.
“We use local businesses and local talent. We don’t use agency staff, everyone is employed by us.
“There is a great business community and we want to be a fundamental part of that.”
For a full list of events and to book visit tattonparkpopupfestival.co.uk
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