It's official: summer has begun, now that the Leeds Castle Classical Concert has taken place.

A perfect summer's evening with clear skies saw thousands turn out with their picnics, patriotic dress and Union Flags to hear popular classics played by a range of top-flight musicians.

Led by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by John Rigby, the concert served up some classical delights for the crowds who packed the site, looking out at the stage with Leeds Castle as the perfect picturesque backdrop.

The P&O Ferries Choir and the Kentones sang their hearts out while the Definitive Rat Pack made a welcome return with their 60s glamour and tunes to sing along to.

Hosted by a relaxed and jovial Aled Jones, the evening also featured junior dance champions Max and Katie Harrison, from Kingswood near Maidstone, who whirled to the delight of the audience.

Joining the world-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on stage were soloists Anthony Flaum, who performed at last year’s event, and Frances McCafferty. Their solos included Nessun Dorma for Anthony, which was greeted with massive cheers from the crowd - and big smiles from the singer - and a stirring Rule Britannia from Frances.

The castle was bathed in a beautiful sunset perfectly timed as the Spitfire from Headcorn-based Aero Legends made a glorious flypast, with some amazing aerobatic manoeuvres which made the crowd "ooh" and "aah" in unison, and brought their cameras out in their thousands.

The evening was finished off with a glorious fireworks finale, which finished with a second slightly unexpected finale to the 1812 overture, including the historic field cannons blasting out.

For more pictures see this week's Kent Messenger.

The concert is the start of an eight-week Summertime Spectacular at the castle which runs until Saturday, September 3.