With many missing out on live music this year – a socially distanced outdoor festival will be music to our ears. Especially anyone with a cancelled concert or empty social calendar this summer. In steps… Picnic at the Palace!
Picnic at the Palace is an outdoor live music event by Midsummer Nightcap until 16th August. Held at Blenheim Palace, the event takes place in the shadow of the palace, with views over the lake.
What’s included?
Ticket prices include a picnic hamper with sandwiches, cheese and sweet products from local Oxford suppliers. Suppliers include Gatineau, the Oxford Cheese Company and Barefoot Oxford. Bitten were treated to a press preview evening last week, and can attest to the quality of salted caramel Barefoot Oxford brownies!
Drinks aren’t included in the ticket price, but prices are fair and all the usual selection is on offer; including cocktails served from Midsummer Nightcap’s converted caravan, ‘Maggie.’ If you’re more inclined to some champagne, event sponsor Pol Roger is offering it by the glass for a reasonable £8.
It was warming to see the effort put in by organisers, Jazz FM, Bleinheim and Midsummer Nightcap. Their quick thinking on bringing entertainment into the summer calendar, at the beautiful palace grounds, against all current odds.
Highlights look to be the Sunday Jazz sessions by Jazz FM (we enjoyed Tom Seals Band on the evening we visited), comedy nights, and acoustic sets from various artists. With two sittings a day running over the next four weeks, there’s plenty of chance to catch an act that takes your fancy.
View the full entertainment lineup here.
Given social distancing, I’d suggest going with a good ‘bubble’ of friends and family. I’d also recommend booking a time when music to your taste is scheduled. Couples are sat nearest the stage in their own pair of deck chairs, with groups of up to 6 further out in their own self-contained pergolas. The pergolas are hand-crafted for social distancing measures, by Blenheim’s very own Carpenter, Kevin.
With the sun setting, a lit-up palace behind you, the headliner playing and you’re in good company – it’s the perfect way to spend a summers evening.
Get your Picnic at the Palace tickets
The event is running until 16th August with two shows on most days. Ticket prices start at £45 including food, or £30 for admission only. Children’s tickets are also available, from £20.
Book tickets at https://picnicatthepalace.seetickets.com/tour/picnic-at-the-palace.
We attended for a press preview of the event, all views remain our own.
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