One of the suggestions made in the Parish Plan is that Knebworth House and Park could improve communications with the community, particularly regarding major events. We’ve already made changes – this regular column in the Parish News is a direct result of that suggestion. It has long been our policy to inform our direct neighbours and Old Knebworth resident associations about our major events – and of course we work hard with the licencing authorities to ensure we minimise local disturbance – but I am pleased now that, in this column, I can highlight to the wider parish anything out of the ordinary in our forthcoming season.
Well, for 2007, there is nothing out of the ordinary planned! As becomes increasingly apparent, the major concerts for which we are famous now come along, on average, every six or seven years, when there is an artist successful enough to attract 125,000 fans. The quick turnover in the music industry nowadays is not conducive to the sorts of acts who justify that sort of show.
There are, however, two non-perennial music events planned for 2007 – both considerably smaller. On Saturday June 30th, we host the Renaissance dance festival in North Park (beyond the Adventure Playground) for up to 14,999 people. This is scheduled to run from 6pm to 6am, and will be a third of the size of a similar dance festival that took place (very successfully) in 2001, and this time there is no outdoor stage. Then on Saturday September 8th and Sunday September 9th, we are pleased to announce the return of two picnic-style concerts, for up to 4,000 people. The first is a Classical Prom and the second features a Queen tribute band and Gerry and the Pacemakers. Thus, there’s music for all ages and all tastes in the Park this summer – we hope to see you there.
Henry Lytton Cobbold
www.knebworthhouse.com