BY Marc Mullen THERE will be more than pet sounds on Hampstead Heath this summer after the council gave the green light to summer concerts at Kenwood House. Camden councillors have granted planning permission for the concert stage on the Pasture Ground an

BY Marc Mullen

THERE will be more than pet sounds on Hampstead Heath this summer after the council gave the green light to summer concerts at Kenwood House.

Camden councillors have granted planning permission for the concert stage on the Pasture Ground and a toilet block in front of the Grade I-listed building.

Tickets went on sale last month while the organisers were awaiting planning permission - the final piece in the jigsaw which will now see the return of the summer concerts after a year's break due to noise complaints.

On Saturday June 28, former Beach Boy Brian Wilson will take to the new stage to kick off this summer's concert season.

Rebecca Kane, visitor operations director for London for English Heritage, which runs the house, said: "Following the success of the planning application for the new stage location, we are absolutely delighted that the concert series will return to Kenwood in 2008.

"Prior to their cancellation in 2007, the Kenwood Concerts had been running for 55 years, giving huge pleasure to hundreds of thousands of people.

"Not only are the concerts a real highlight in the London calendar but they also provide crucial income towards the running costs of Kenwood House and its estate."

As well as the pioneer of surf rock, Belfast soul legend Van Morrison, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, jazz singer Diana Krall and Omara Portuondo, star of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club, will play the venue this summer.

Soprano Lesley Garrett takes to the stage with Michael Ball and Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins will play the last night of the Kenwood Proms on Saturday August 23.

See more on this story in this week's Ham&High

Geoff Martin

Geoff Martin"Archant Limitedn

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