ARTISTS of international reputation will be performing in aid of charity at this year’s annual Proms at St Jude’s music festival.

The event runs from June 19 to 27 and is the 18th Proms to take place in Hampstead Garden Suburb. There will be a series of evening concerts by performers including bass-baritone, Sir Willard White, renowned pianist John Lill and jazz singer Clare Teal.

Proceeds from the concerts, run entirely by volunteers, go to North London Hospice and Toynbee Hall in the East End of London.

The official festival launch took place on Sunday night in the hall at Henrietta Barnett School, in Central Square, Hampstead Garden Suburb, attended by some 150 Proms patrons, sponsors and friends.

Introducing a concert by the Aspidistra Drawing Room Orchestra, Proms patron, the broadcaster Henry Kelly, praised the efforts of volunteers.

He said: “Last year alone, Toynbee Hall and North London Hospice received between them £45,000. We couldn’t do that without our sponsors.

“Putting on any form of musical concerts these days is a nightmare.

“As we know, the Proms at St Jude's are the last remaining area of classical music in this neighbourhood.

“I have been honoured to have been involved over the past few years with the Proms at St Jude's.”

Festival founder Susie Gregson said advanced ticket sales for this year’s Proms were already approaching £20,000.

She said: "Thanks to all of you gathered here this evening, we make a difference to people across London, both in the North London Hospice, with their wonderful care for those at the end of their lives, and to young people in the East End in Toynbee Hall.

“Let's not forget the happiness that our festival brings to those who come to listen to music. Music can provide both hope and meaning to those faced with dilemma, crisis or bereavement.

“Our fabulous social setting additionally inspires laughter and fun. And those who volunteer, either on the committee or during festival week, acquire new skills and fresh opportunities and reap the rewards of seeing the pleasure we bring to the thousands of concert goers.

"We really couldn't do this without your wonderful support and we're immensely grateful to our friends, sponsors and advertisers."

This year’s Proms will include a series of free lunchtime concerts, including one for children on Thursday, June 24, by the Nonesuch Orchestra. There will also be three guided heritage walks in the Suburb and one in Whitechapel to give visitors a cultural context to the festival.

For more information on this year’s Proms, visit www.promsatstjudes.org.uk or call 020 8455 8687 for the festival leaflet and booking form.

Postal applications for tickets are open from today and telephone booking opens on June 1 on 020 8458 8798.