THE organisers of a summer fundraising concert in the grounds of of an 18th century manor will mark its tenth anniversary this year by staging its grandest event yet.

Thirsk Action Group said Robbie Williams and Blues Brothers tribute acts and local party band Citizen Smith would perform on an extended stage with additional lighting for the Picnic In The Park show at Thirsk Hall on Saturday, July 11, before a fireworks finale.

Organisers Sue Calvert and Jane Burgess hope to attract about 2,000 people to the event, more than four times the number of people who attended in 2006, when the show featured an Elvis tribute act.

The pair, who launched the event to raise funds for Action Medical Research (AMR), one of the country's leading medical charities, have also directed proceeds from shows to charities, including Thirsk Community Care, Thirsk Clock, Herriot Hospice, Homecare and churches.

This year, The Friarage Scanner appeal will benefit from the event alongside AMR.

Mrs Calvert said: “We have come a long way over the ten years, we feel that each year we try to bring exciting performers to Thirsk Picnic appealing to a spectrum of ages, including toddlers, young teens and last year we had an audience member who was almost 90."

Headlining the show will be JK, who has been dubbed the world's leading tribute to the former Take That member.

A spokesman for the singer said: "Not only does he look like Robbie, he sings and entertains like Robbie."

Earlier in the evening, Jake and Elwood will be joined by backing singers and a six-piece band to perform songs from the 1980 cult movie.

The pair hit the headlines in 2006 after being granted leave to wear sunglasses on their photo driving licences.

Mrs Calvert said the event continued to receive strong support from the community and sound and lighting firm Viking Productions as well as sponsorship from The Northern Echo's sister paper, The Darlington & Stockton Times, Steven J Dresser Electrical Contractors, Beechwood Leisure, and Todds Waste Management.

Show-goers are invited to take a picnic or buy food on site.

Gazebo pitches and tickets, costing £22 for adults, £14 for those aged 12 to 16, can be booked online at thirskpicnicinthepark.co.uk, by visiting Thirsk Tourist Information Centre or CB Furnishings in Northallerton or calling 01845 522755.

Under-11s enter free, accompanied by an adult.

Early bird tickets, offering a £4 discount, are on sale from tomorrow (Sunday, March 1) to March 31.