This year's much-anticipated Kew the Music at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew kicks off with the ultimate feel-good line-up onTuesday, 10 July featuring Steps, very special guests Björn Again and Finnish pop sensation and X-Factor star Saara Aalto.

Super-charged dance-pop sensation Steps have had a phenomenal comeback. They return to the epicentre of British pop with iTunes chart-toppers; a sold-out arena tour and a #2 album with Tears On The Dancefloor that achieved Silver status in just three weeks.

Opening Kew the Music 2018, expect all the hits, nineties nostalgia and dancefloor anthems but also a boisterous, high-energy, up-to-the minute, end-to-end pop extravaganza.

Steps will be joined by very special guests, Björn Again. The internationally acclaimed, Björn Again, was created in 1988 in Melbourne as a rocked-up, light-hearted satirical ABBA spoof.

This much-loved Australian ABBA show rapidly achieved world-wide cult status and helped initiate the ABBA revival which brought about ABBA Gold, Muriel's Wedding and MAMMA MIA!

Opening the first night of Kew the Music is Saara Aalto. Showgirl and songwriter. Pop star and pianist. There's no-one quite like Saara Aalto. She is firmly established as one of Finland's major talents thanks to her anthemic release “No Fear” and she represents Finland this year at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Europe can't get enough of her and nor can the UK, as we voted for her week after week on X Factor - she came second.

Kew the Music is a glorious week-long festival of summer picnic concerts set within the stunning grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

The festival offers an incredible line of up of fabulous artists, bands and performers in truly unique surroundings. This year's highlights include The Gipsy Kings, 2CELLOS, The Human League, Boyzone and Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

Proving to be a hit amongst all generations of music lovers, the popular concerts are the perfect evening out for all the family to enjoy. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink, or to enjoy the open-air bars and tasty street food stalls. A sensational summer's evening awaits.

For an exclusive VIP Hospitality dining experience and a selection of ready-made picnic hampers, available to collect on the night, visit kewthemusic.org

ENDS

For more information please contact: Melodie Manners, melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk, 07815 709548 or 01637 873379

Notes to Editors

Kew the Music is a series of outdoor picnic concerts held annually at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Gates open at 6.00pm. Nearest tube: Kew Gardens – District Line
No seating is provided, but guests are welcome to bring blankets, folding chairs and picnics.

Kew the Music is a collaboration between Kilimanjaro Live Ltd, Raymond Gubbay Ltd and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have been presenting summer concerts for over 30 years.

Tickets and booking information:

Go to kewthemusic.org for full event and ticket information.
Tickets from £40.00. Booking fees apply.
24-hour ticket hotline: 0844 871 8803 or book online at kewthemusic.org Discount for children aged 1-16 (inclusive) is £18.
Under 12 months free entry and no ticket required.
Disabled tickets: Carer goes free.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections as well as its scientific expertise in plant diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the world.

Kew Gardens is a major international and a top London visitor attraction. Kew's 132 hectares of landscaped gardens, and Kew's country estate, Wakehurst, attract over 1.5 million visits every year.

Kew was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003 and celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2009. Wakehurst is home to Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world.

Kew receives approximately just under half of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Further funding needed to support Kew's vital work comes from donors, membership and commercial activity including ticket sales.