Southwell Minster’s summer season of outdoor theatre and concerts in Palace Gardens announced

Open-air theatre and music will return to the grounds of a historic cathedral this summer.

Southwell Minster has announced it’s summer season of theatre and concerts, which will take place in the Palace Gardens during the warmer months.

The two concerts are sure to be crowd pleasers — with hits from ABBA and the 80s for attendees to dance the night away.

On June 20, at 7pm, ABBA by Moonlight will see award-winning live tribute act 21st Century ABBA return to the venue for a show set to get audiences up on their feet, cheering, and becoming Dancing Queens.

They will play all the favourites from the Swedish icons — and audiences are also encouraged to come along dressed in their favourite 70s gear, with prizes for the best dressed.

On August 28, from 7pm, the garden will skip to the next decade for a night of 80s Anthems by Moonlight.

There’ll be the music of A-ha, Michael Jackson, The Human League, Adam and the Ants, Culture Club, Rick Astley, Bon Jovi, Bananarama, Depeche Mode, Madonna, Bee Gees, Spandau Ballet, Tina Turner, Wham!, and more all performed live by an array of talented vocalists and musicians.

Attendees can bring a picnic and relax in the grounds before being taken on a journey back in time to the ultimate decade of pop anthems.

For theatre buffs the stage will be set for The Three Musketeers on June 14, from 6pm, as an action-filled adventure is brought to life in a dynamic and hilarious staging of the much-loved novel.

It promised to be packed with song, suspense and plenty of sword fights — as young D’Artagnan bids to defeat the evil Cardinal Richelieu and Milady de Winter in a plot to to discredit Queen Anne.

Then, on July 25, from 7pm, a high-octane production of Shakespearean classic Much Ado About Nothing will be given by The HandleBards.

Expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos, and a great deal of laughter, as a group of soldiers return from the war to a household in Messina, kindling new love interests and re-kindling old rivalries.

The parallel love stories of Beatrice, Benedick, Claudio and Hero quickly become entangled with scheming, frivolity and melodrama in Shakespeare’s famous comedy.

Tickets for all four events are available from The Cathedral Shop, in person or on 01636 812933, or via the cathedral’s website.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own low backed chairs or picnic rugs and a picnic, and a bar will be available at the concerts.