IT'S not unusual to take a picnic basket to concerts being held in Tatton Park but music lovers in Knutsford have been left 'furious' and 'dismayed' after promoters banned them from this summer's Sir Tom Jones gig on the estate.

The park has a rich history of holding open air concerts over the past decade, with artists such as Will Young, Ronan Keating, Human League, Katherine Jenkins and regulars the Halle Orchestra all entertaining concert goers while they quaff a glass of champers and nibble on a Melton Mowbray pork pie.

But this year, the only concert that will allows guests to bring a picnic will be the Halle on Saturday, July 30.

Sir Tom and Swedish pop act Roxette's gigs – being held on Thursday, July 28 and Friday, July 29 respectively – have been branded a 'picnic-free zone' by promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

However, that decision has not impressed some Knutsfordians.

Susie Mathis, of Rostherne Lane, told the Guardian that she would not be attending the Welsh legend's concert after she was told that picnic baskets were banned.

"Living in Knutsford very close to Tatton, the pleasures of open air concerts are a joy especially when the artist is a favourite," she said in an email to promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

"Myself and a party of 20 friends wanted to book for Tom Jones on July 28 but on visiting the website I was dismayed to read that it is a standing concert and no picnics allowed.

"I cannot see the point of a concert in Tatton without allowing people to enjoy a picnic in the build up to the act appearing. In my humble opinion, this will not be popular and anyway, how on earth will you police it will you confiscate people’s picnic baskets?

"Also Tom Jones fans are of an age then a standing concert is out of the question. We won’t be going."

Peter Taylor, director of concert promoters Cuffe and Taylor, told the Guardian that Sir Tom's show was a 'traditional pop concert' where people would be 'dancing the night away' and was not suitable for a picnic.

“We are delighted to be presenting three dates at Tatton Park this summer," he said.

“This expansion means we are able to welcome back the Hallé for the third year running for a spectacular picnic proms concert where concertgoers can, as has been the case in previous years, bring their own food, drink and spectacularly lavish picnics – candelabras and all!

“Our two other events - Tom Jones and Roxette - are traditional pop concerts where we expect large crowds who will want to dance the night away. This type of concert is not suitable for a picnic-style event.

“We feel this year’s expanded offering is fantastic for Tatton Park and music lovers in Cheshire with three amazing and very different events.”

What do you think about the decision to ban picnics at the two concerts? Email yourviews@nqnw.co.uk.