Kenwood concerts on pause

The future of the summer concerts held at Kenwood House is in limbo after it was announced that this year's schedule will not be going ahead.

The stately home in Hampstead has hosted a series of lucrative concerts in its grounds which have included performances by Tom Jones, Katherine Jenkins, Blondie and Jools Holland.

English Heritage now says the concerts could be overhauled which could see more low-key, classical events staged at the venue.

A deal between English Heritage and concert organiser IMG has now expired. No gigs will take place this year and English Heritage will put the venue out for tender for next, admitting it is open to fresh ideas.

The break coincides with major restoration works which are due to begin at Kenwood in April. Paul Griffiths of English Heritage said: "This year is a good time to pause and see if the concerts can be done differently."

Heath and Hampstead Society chairman Tony Hillier said: "We could look at going back to the original format of classical music and allowing people to bring picnics and sit round the edges without having to buy tickets."