THE BBC Concert Orchestra, a Bruno Mars tribute act, and a TV comedian who appeared on I’m a Celebrity are among the eclectic line-up of an arts festival returning to Rugby this summer.
The Festival on The Close takes place on Rugby School’s famous playing field from June 25-29.
At the specially-built Macready Theatre outdoor arena, the festival will kick off with a Night at the Musicals performance by the BBC Concert Orchestra, hosted by broadcasting legend Ken Bruce and featuring a cast of West End stars including two-time Olivier Award winner Joanna Riding, Louise Dearman (Wicked), Dean Chisnall (Les Miserables) and Oliver Tompsett (We Will Rock You).
The festival’s Cancer Research UK Comedy Night will be headlined by I’m a Celebrity favourite Seann Walsh.
ITV Sport’s commentator and festival patron Mark Pougatch will be the special guest of the Tom Seals Presents musical chat show, with a live big band playing some of Mark’s favourite songs.
Other main stage shows include a performance from Horrible Histories Live, before BRUNO: A tribute to Bruno Mars brings the festival to a close.
The festival’s workshop programme will invite primary and secondary school students from across Warwickshire to explore a wide range of subjects, including science experiments, brain dissections, samba percussion, bagpipes, mechanical engineering and meditation.
A spokesperson said: “In June, we will once again transform the school into a buzzing hub of practical science, creative technology and ambitious arts, flinging wide the school gates to invite local schools and public to share our celebration of creativity alongside an amazing programme of professional and student performances.”
The festival will support the school’s celebrations of the bicentenary of rugby football, and raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
Visit www.thefestivalontheclose.co.uk for more information.
