SIR THOMAS Ingilby, owner of the twelfth century Ripley Castle, near Harrogate, opens the beautiful grounds of his home for the first time this summer for a pop concert.

Party in the Park takes place on Saturday, July 27, with a star line-up including top boy band Blue, voted the best new British Band in this year's Brit Awards, ex-Steps duo H and Claire, and another top boy band 3SL.

For the older generation, who will be no doubt be accompanying their children, pop legends The Drifters will also appear.

"I have been to many big-name pop concerts around the world and had a tremendous amount of fun", said Sir Thomas. "I also ran a bar at one of the legendary Knebworth concerts in the early Nineties which was hard work but very amusing.

"We are not talking about attracting the heavy metal brigade. This is an enjoyable occasion for the head-bumpers, and we are ensuring they can do so in a lovely setting with complete safety and first-class facilities."

The castle is already a regular venue for a Last Night of the Proms concert at the end of August.

"I thought it would be an excellent opportunity for the younger generation to come here and enjoy themselves as well," said Sir Thomas, a father of five, who will be rolling back the years to attend in trendy gear.

Will his ancestor, the first Sir Thomas Ingilby, born in 1290, be spinning in his grave or jiving along with the rest of them?

For tickets, ring the hotline on 01653 699989. Gates open at 2pm.