HOGHTON Tower’s Symphony at the Tower event is to become a three-day musical festival next year.

The event at Hoghton Tower has taken place over two days since music promoters Cuffe and Taylor joined forces with Lostock Hall-based St Catherine’s Hospice in 2013 to host the event.

Since then its popularity has grown and so it has been decided to expand Symphony into a three-day event for its 21st birthday in 2016.

This summer more than 10,000 people watched rockers Status Quo on the Friday night followed by a picnic proms-style concert with Lucy Kay and Blake on the Saturday.

A year earlier fans from around the country travelled to see opera singer Katherine Jenkins supported by the National Symphony Orchestra.

Next year will see acts perform on the Friday and Saturday with the Sunday being billed as the Symphony Spectacular.

The event takes place on Friday, July 1 to Sunday, July 3.

Lorraine Charlesworth, director of income generation at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended Symphony at the Tower 2015 – it was a fabulous finale to our dedicated month of 30th anniversary celebration events which took place that summer.

“It was fantastic to see so many supporters enjoying a weekend of live music in the beautiful Lancashire outdoors, all while raising vital funds to support the specialised care St Catherine’s provides to local people.

“We are delighted to announce the addition of a third night in 2016 when Symphony at the Tower, one of our longest-running and most special events, celebrates its milestone 21st birthday.

“We are looking forward to seeing Symphony fans old and new at what promises to be another extra special weekend, all in the name of a wonderful cause.”

The initial line-up for Symphony at the Tower will be announced on Monday November 23 with tickets going on sale from 9am Friday, November 27.

Cuffe and Taylor director Peter Taylor said: “Symphony has grown its audience each year while raising magnificent amounts of money for the hospice.

“We want to ensure its continued success and to reach as wide an audience as possible and therefore a three-day event gives us the opportunity to do that.

“By adding an extra date we can programme an additional concert giving as many people as possible the opportunity to enjoy top quality live music in a fantastic setting while also raising funds for this vital service.”