DYFFRYN Gardens is playing host to Purcell’s famous opera Dido and Aeneas this month to fundraise for its latest restoration project.

Opera singers will come together to put on a one-night only production in aid of the restoration of Dyffryn’s majestic fountain pool on Saturday, October 21.

The musicians, young professionals who all perform regularly in Wales are giving their skills for free to help Dyffryn fundraise for the restoration of their Fountain Pool on the Great Lawn.

The magnificent mansion house, listed at grade II* status, is the partially-restored former home of the Cory family. The present house, built in 1895, is an eclectic mix of many different styles of decor. The Cory family filled their home with music, something reflected in Dyffryn’s recent programme of events. In addition to this, the opera, Dido and Aeneas, holds a special place in the Trust’s historical archives. An important early manuscript is preserved at Tatton Park, a neo-classical mansion run by the National Trust, in Cheshire.

For this one-off performance, the calibre of performers is incredibly high, made up of hand-picked individuals who have performed and studied at professional level. With the rehearsal process now well underway, this is already proving a night that is not to be missed.

Tickets, costing £15 each, include a glass of bubbly and sweet treats at the interval. All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly towards Fountain Pool fundraising. The performance takes place in the stunning venue of the Great Hall of Dyffryn House at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 21.

To book tickets, call 02920 590813.