David Bowie has just announced his 100 favourite books and paid tribute to my great-great-great-grandfather Edward Bulwer Lytton by including his novel “Zanoni”. I am happy to return the compliment by saying that I would include David Bowie in my top 20 favourite musicians – and he would be my No. 1 favourite to headline a concert in Knebworth Park. Also in my top 20 favourite musicians would be the virtuoso Tennessee guitarist Doyle Dykes, and I am thrilled to announce that he is headlining a concert at Knebworth. Doyle will be playing a Christmas concert of festive music in the Banqueting Hall of Knebworth House on Saturday and Sunday, 14th and 15th December (tickets available online at www.knebworthhouse.com).
Some will know Doyle from the wonderful concerts he has given at St Martin’s Church in past years. You may have a copy of his 2008 album “Bridging The Gap” which features his compositions “Knebworth Dream”, “At Swangleys Farm” and “On the Great North Road”. Those who are familiar with Doyle’s breathtaking talent will need no encouragement to join us that weekend; those who are not, I urge you to come hear a truly world-class musician interpreting your favourite Christmas classics. The format of the evening will be the same as Knebworth House’s Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” nights – with Christmas tree, choir, mulled wine and mince pies – and promises to be the perfect start to the holiday season.
After last year’s triumphant 15th Anniversary, Knebworth House is taking a break from Charles Dickens this December, however if you can’t bear the thought of Christmas without a little Scrooge, we are selling the excellent recording of last year’s anniversary performance by Colin Greenslade as a digital download from a new Audio Download page in the Shop section of the Knebworth House website. It is my great-great-great pleasure to recommend it!
Henry Lytton Cobbold
www.knebworthhouse.com