AN historic north Herefordshire estate is gearing up to host a midsummer festival weekend of fun, crafts, music, entertainment and spectacular fireworks.

Hampton Court is the venue for what promises to be a memorable couple of days when the stunning Van Kampen Gardens are opened to the public for the first time on June 24 and 25.

More than 80 traditional craft-makers and artists will be exhibiting and demonstrating, dozens of musicians will play and sing and strolling players will reveal some of the rich history of an estate which can be traced back to the time of Agincourt.

Festival-goers will be able to take a trip through a medieval encampment, snatching a glimpse of what life was like when Hampton Court was first established. Archery and falconry displays, as well as traditional crafts, will play their part in evoking times past.

Sculptors and painters will also be working around the grounds and visitors will have a chance to try their hand at many skills, including engraving, spinning, iron-forging and wood-turning.

There's a packed programme of entertainment featuring more than 100 performers, including theatrical touring company, Past Pleasures, who are currently performing at the Millennium Dome, and the notorious Natural Theatre Company, whose comic antics will bring a comic touch to proceedings.

Saturday evening sees Chris Dean and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and Singers play big-band favourites, joined by 75 members of the Indiana Wesleyan Chorale who are being flown in from the USA especially for the festival. A spectacular display will bring the night's entertainment to a close.

Throughout the weekend, there will be a chance to stroll in the spectacular new Van Kampen Gardens which will remain open to the public after the festival on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm until October 29.