LEONARDSLEE LATES

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens has announced a new series of evening music events, 'Leonardslee Lates', running from 6pm to 9pm each night from 26th to 28th May.

To mark the peak spring flowering season on the estate, visitors will be immersed in a colourful and enchanting experience as they explore the 240-acre estate, says general manager Adam Streeter, with twilight casting a magical glow across the Grade I Listed gardens.

Leonardslee Lates will feature live jazz and swing music from local artists, award-winning wine supplied by sister estate Benguela Cove in South Africa, and food by Garlic Wood Events.

The event lineup includes The Swing Ninjas on 26th May, a trio that blends modern music with jazz undertones, to kick off the celebrations. Then on 27th May, Harry's Tricks takes the stage with a performance that transports listeners to the 1920's, 1930's and 1940's. On 28th May, the Swing Ninjas, a vintage swing band offering pre-1950's musical stylings, will close the event.

Visitors can explore the beautiful springtime gardens at twilight and visit the Wine Garden, with free samples of Benguela Cove wines.

The Clocktower Café and Leonardslee Bar will be open until late, as will the Engine House Café, located alongside the lakes. There will be a Sabrage experience where visitors can learn the age-old technique of opening a bottle of sparkling wine with a sabre. Live music by the performing artists will be outside the café throughout the evening. The gift shop is also open until late.

"Leonardslee transforms into a breathtaking spectacle in the spring, with majestic rhododendrons, azaleas, towering magnolias, and more. Visitors will see the astonishing reflections of these vibrant colours on our lakes at Leonardslee Lates, which promises to be quite magical at twilight,” says Adam Streeter.

“Don't miss the opportunity to sample our sister estate, Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate's wine of the month, produced on the Southern Coast of South Africa.”

Leonardslee Lates is from 26th to 28th May, 6pm to 9pm. Entry is £8 per person, and Leonardslee members pay £5, with free on-site parking. The minimum entry age is 16.