Legendary singer-songwriter and musician Van Morrison and Grammy Award-winning American Jazz vocalist and songwriter Gregory Porter are the first names to be announced for the first night of Nocturne at Blenheim Palace on 25 June 2015. This historic event sees music return to Blenheim Palace's elaborate Great Court with its stunning lake views for the first time in ten years and is with the upmost support of the 12th Duke of Marlborough. 

Nocturne at Blenheim Palace is the first joint venture from Neapolitan Live Events, the creators of the critically acclaimed Love Supreme Jazz Festival, and U-Live the new live music division of Universal Music Group. The five-year deal with Blenheim Palace, sees an investment of £2.5million to bring live music back to the historic Oxfordshire venue this year.

Nocturne at Blenheim Palace will not only bring some of the world's greatest musicians and performers to the stately palatial surroundings, but will also strive to provide one of the best midsummer concert experiences with champagne receptions, fine-dining and banquet packages available inside the State Rooms (including the stunning Long Library) of the 12th Duke of Marlborough's family home, The Orangery and waterside picnicking.

With Van Morrison's performances of timeless classics such as Brown Eyed Girl, Have I Told You Lately and Bright Side of the Road along with Gregory Porter hot off the success of his hit record 'Liquid Spirit', which has remained in the UK chart for a full year, the first night of Nocturne at Blenheim Palace to be announced sets the quality bar for this unique concert series.  More dates to be announced shortly.

Ciro Romano, Neapolitan Live Events said: “It is a huge honour to be entrusted by the Duke of Marlborough to bring music back to this unique palace. We are thrilled that we have secured Van Morrison to return to Blenheim Palace for the first time since his historic performance in 2004 and also Gregory Porter whose career I have personally followed since first seeing him perform in small clubs in London only a few year ago. Both acts perfectly realise our vision to bring the greatest talent to Britain's greatest palace. 

The 12th Duke of Marlborough said, “I look forward to once again opening the gates of Blenheim Palace to these brilliant musicians and singers. The palace was meant to inspire as a location and the music in the Great Court will bring a new dimension of wonderment to our family's history.”

Sally Davies at U-Live said,  “Our team at U-Live have been searching for the perfect venue and partner for the best quality music experience. Blenheim Palace and our partnership with Neapolitan Live realises the ambition. Nocturne will be a spectacular series of evenings of stunning performances in the most beautiful location.”

Blenheim Palace is set in 2100 acres of spectacular 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. The 300 year old palace is a World Heritage site and is one of the UK”s most famous and best loved stately homes located just 8 miles out of Oxford.

ENDS

For more information please contact: Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 07815 709548

On sale Friday 13 February:

25 June 2015 – Van Morrison and Gregory Porter

Tickets available from www.nocturnelive.com

VIP Packages available

Tel: 0844 888 9991

Prices start at £60

Packages include:

The Orangery – Pre and post show drinks including interval food.

Champagne & Hot Fork Buffet in The Orangery

Includes pre-concert drinks, sumptuous hot fork buffet bowl food in the interval and post-concert drinks.

The Orangery is a beautiful, elegant room which leads on to the Italian Garden and creates a perfect setting to be entertained in style.  

The Long Library – Seated fine dining

Pre-concert drinks in the saloon followed by 2 course dinner in the Long Library and post-concert drinks.

The Long Library at Blenheim Palace boasts the only private room in any British stately home that can accommodate 300 guests for dinner. Home to 10,000 books and the magnificent Willis organ, this grand room also overlooks the sparkling fountains of Blenheim's beautiful Water Terrace. The Long Library is the perfect spot to enjoy a fine dining experience, following pre-concert drinks in The Great Hall & Saloon.

Details of a special bus service to and from Oxford Station to the Palace to be announced soon.