The idea of a hot summer may seem like a very distant dream at the moment but Hampton Court Palace is ensuring there is more just a bit of nice weather to look forward to, with the line-up for its 18th annual music festival being revealed.

In the past thousands have flocked to Hampton Court to picnic in the grounds before enjoying concerts by greats including Van Morrison, Brian Wilson and Ray Davies.

This year it will be the turn of Michael Bolton, Simply Red, Katherine Jenkins and other stars to take to the stage in the historic palace’s courtyard and get the crowds dancing in the aisles.

The festival runs from June 8-19 with American crooner Bolton performing on June 17, while Welsh opera singer Jenkins will give a concert on the following night.

Throughout 2010 Mick Hucknall is taking Simply Red on the road for one last hurrah and the Farewell tour will stop off at Hampton Court for two nights - Fairground, Stars and We’re In This Together are just some of the hits he’s sure to belt out.

Other acts lined up to appear include American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, who will open the festival, violinist Nicola Benedetti (June 12) and West End star Michael Ball (June 19).

French maestros, The Gipsy Kings, will also be taking over the palace for a night, with a gig on June 9.

Of course, the Hampton Court Palace Festival wouldn’t be complete without a gig from Jools Holland who will be bringing his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra back for a show on June 11.

Holland is delighted to welcome Alison Moyet as his special guest for the show.

He says: “This is a great and important first for the band. To have Alison Moyet with my big band is something I’m looking forward to more than anything.

“It is a magical venue in that courtyard because we are enclosed with the audience in a late-Medieval world. If there are any ghosts there they have no chance at all.”

Tickets for the festival are on sale now and can be booked by calling 0844 811 0050/0844 847 1638 (booking fee applies), at hamptoncourtfestival.com or in person from the Hampton Court Box Office (10am – 3pm from 22 March onwards).