A series of live music events and picnics will run throughout August at Marble Hill House, Twickenham, to keep the historic venue running and support injured veterans.

Jazz, opera and renaissance ensembles will perform every Sunday on the grounds of the English Heritage site, to encourage picnickers to come to the grounds.

Richmond-based charity, the Poppy Factory, hopes that groups coming to soak up the music will donate to “Operation Picnic” – their fundraising initiative to help wounded, injured and sick veterans on their journey back to employment.

Currently, the charity says it costs £3,394 to support one veteran. Their 100 Lives campaign aims to support a hundred more, through donations made by the public.

Any donations given on the day will also help ensure the future of Marble Hill, a well-loved community space.

The Palladian villa was built in the 1720s and was the home of Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk, who lived there until her death.

Live music will be between 2-3pm, according to the schedule below.

August 2: The Greenwood Trio (chamber music)

August 9: The Perin Jazz Collective

August 16: The Lovekyn Consort (Elizabethan-era music)

August 23: Greg Tassell and piano/harpsichord (opera/folk/popular)

August 30: The Perin Jazz Collective

Picnickers are being asked to take any rubbish and recycling home with them as part of Covid-19 safety measures at Marble Hill House.

You can find picnic and fundraising ideas here.