Presenter of the flagship morning show on Classic FM every week day, John Suchet has had a lifelong passion for classical music and it is this passion and knowledge that John will bring to Concerts in the Park, welcoming the audience and guiding them through the evening’s repertoire.

On Saturday 1st July the CBSO, Classic FM’s Orchestra in the Midlands, will perform a repertoire of popular classics and epic film scores in the heart of Sutton Park, conducted by CBSO Associate Conductor Michael Seal and with guest soloist Noah Stewart. The orchestra will take to the stage with a repertoire that will take the audience through scores from Harry Potter, Star Wars and the Nutcracker, through popular opera arias and a number of classical favourites.

John Suchet said: “I am lucky enough to be able to indulge my love of classical music on a daily basis and am thrilled to be hosting a concert with the world-class CBSO meaning I will be able to share my passion alongside what promises to be an amazing repertoire. Sutton Park is such an inspiring setting and it will be fantastic to be enjoying my favourite kind of music outdoors with a live audience, experiencing the music alongside them.”

Councillor Simon Ward, Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council added: “It is a privilege to welcome John to Royal Sutton Coldfield. We are delighted that he will join us to guide us through a spectacular programme of outstanding music. We are thrilled that the voice of Classic FM is able to host the Saturday evening Concerts in the Park, sharing his knowledge of and enthusiasm for classical music. Concerts in the Park continues to place Royal Sutton Coldfield on the cultural map and will showcase our Park and our Royal Town at their very best.”

Gates will open from 4pm and the performances begin at 5pm with 60s tribute singer Tony Skeggs, with numbers by the Beatles amongst others. The WestEnders will perform an exciting programme of favourites from the magical shows of the West End such as Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. The CBSO will perform from 7pm.

Organised and heavily subsidised by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, a free Beasts and Bugs family fun day will take place on Sunday 2nd July from 11am-3pm (gates open 10.30am) featuring special family performances by a ten piece mini-orchestra made up of CBSO musicians, alongside craft activities and live music from Sutton Coldfield Choirs. Sutton Park Rangers will lead site tours and activities and visitors should be on the lookout for some fantastical street theatre including The Flying Fox Bats by Circo Rum Ba Ba Stilts and Praying Mantas by Artemis.

Tickets cost £10 (£5 concessions) for the Saturday. Entrance to the Family Fun Day on Sunday is free, however to guarantee entry you can tickets in advance.