TICKETS are now on sale for the Big National Garden Scheme Weekend, where the DixieMix band will be headlining.

The DixieMix were the supporting band for Rod Stewart's2014 UK tour and are recognised to be one of the best UK jazz ensembles.

The event, which will be heId on the weekend of June 25 and 26 will take place on the 40 acre Barnards farm in West Horndon.

It will feature a the musical evening on June 26 and a special open garden event the following day.

Doug Copeland, NGS Essex publicity officer, said: "We are hoping for lots of visitors to boost our donations to the caring and nursing charities.

"The actual event is a little way off yet, but we do feel it is a good time to invite bookings for those interested to plan for this special Essex weekend event.

"If you haven't heard of it, it really is a fabulous, large event. On the Sunday the garden is opened up to all sorts of wonderful attractions including the brilliant miniature railway and the amazing vintage car museum.

"You wouldn't know it was there, a real hidden gem, with sculptures, lake, woodlands... you wouldn't believe something like that so close to M25."

He added: "For 90 years the NGS has raised funds for caring and nursing charities by opening our gardens for charity, including Marie Curie, Macmillan, Hospice UK and MS Society. Last year in Essex alone we raised £140,000."