Last Sunday I was invited to the first in a series of unique open air concerts in Beniarbeig entitled ‘Music at the Manor’. The fact that it clashed with Spain’s European Cup Final against Germany did make me think twice about attending, but I am so pleased I did decide to go along. It was a fabulous evening.
The venue for the event was Casa Santonja, an elegant historic 19th century Manor House. It is listed among the 55 most famous buildings in Alicante Province. It features a beautiful family chapel and a tower that was originally constructed to supply electric light to the village. One of the mischievous guests, Jerry Lane, famous female impersonator, (his Benidorm Palace shows are fab fab fab,) informed me that at the top of the tower there was a jacuzzi and a free bar - there where neither! 
The setting was absolutely stunning, with over 20,000m2 of lush natural gardens.Tables were pre-booked and guests brought along their own picnics.
Our allocated table had to be moved because the fruit was falling haphazardly from the tree. Maybe the organizers where worried about guests suffering from concussion!
The concert started at 7.30pm and featured two West End theatre artists: Mary Carewe and Graham Bickley. Half way through one of Graham’s songs, fireworks where seen to go up in the sky. At the end of his song he said I think Spain have scored, and indeed they had.
It was a super evening, dining outside in a truly glorious setting and guests dressed to impress. Food prepared by Penny Springer (our table only), salmon, roast beef, salad, champagne and fruit salad. No sitting on picnic rugs, but tables adorned with beautiful white linen tablecloths.
A little taste of Glyndebourne in the rural setting of Beniarbeig; just wonderful!
