Elton John to play Holkham Hall

Elton John is making his first appearance in Norfolk since 2005

'Rocket Man' Elton John will play to around 15,000 people at a special summer show at Holkham Hall near Wells-next-the-Sea, on Sunday, 14 June, 2009.

Holkham Hall is one of only two UK concerts Elton is performing in 2009.

"There's something very special about playing at such a historic site. One feels very grand with a stately home as a backdrop!" said Elton John.

BBC Radio Norfolk will broadcast recorded tracks from Holkham Hall after the show.

Elton is encouraging people to spread out the picnic blankets as he provides a showcase of his hits at the historic cricket ground adjacent to Holkham Hall.

"I love playing in Britain on a warm summer's evening and having an enormous picnic under an open sky is the perfect way to start. We'll be pulling out all the stops to make it a fantastic show," said Elton.

Elton's last visit to Norfolk was in 2005 when he played at Norwich City FC. The sell out show saw 22,000 fans enjoy an experience to remember.

"I know many opinions of Elton are those of the tantrums and tiaras they see on television, but he is 100% genuine, loves to get on stage and loves to perform," said Ben Martin, promoter for Elton John.

"We are delighted to be hosting Sir Elton John at Holkham Hall. It is a real honour for us to welcome him back to Norfolk after an absence of four years, and for him to have chosen Holkham as the venue," said Viscount Coke of Holkham Hall.

The picnic style event means that there are no reserved seats, so you've got every chance of getting a unrestricted view.

Around 15,000 tickets have gone on sale and the timings for the gig have been adapted to allow a painless entry and exit to the venue.

"Because it's a Sunday we'll have a slightly earlier performance, so people can get to and from the concert more easily," said Ben.

Elton John broadcast

Listen to Elton's performance in Holkham on BBC Radio Norfolk

BBC Radio Norfolk are broadcasting an Elton John special show direct from Holkham Hall at 8pm on Sunday, 14 June, 2009.

Presenter David Clayton will be joined by Graham Barnard and Karen Buchanan backstage at the event, who will provide all the gossip throughout the evening and play a selection of hits from Elton's vast back-catalogue.

Listeners can also interact with BBC Radio Norfolk via a phone-in during the concert on 01603 617321 or you can text your views to 07786 200951.

If you can't make it to Holkham or just fancy reliving the highlights on the way home, tune-in to BBC Radio Norfolk to hear exclusive tracks from Elton's Holkham appearance.

Elton John will play at Holkham Hall on Sunday, 14 June, 2009. BBC Radio Norfolk will broadcast an Elton John special from 8pm on the day, with recorded tracks from the gig. For ticket details, visit the Holkham Hall website.

Listen online to Elton John on BBC Radio Norfolk.