The Jacksons to play BBC Proms in the Park

Ken Bruce has announced today on BBC Radio 2 that the American music legends The Jacksons are to headline at this year's BBC Proms in the Park in Hyde Park – the annual Last Night of the Proms spectacular broadcast live on BBC Radio 2.

Inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Jacksons are one of the world's best-loved bands with a career spanning for more than 40 years. Originally led by Michael Jackson, the band's founding members Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson now perform around the world in tribute to their brother.

Speaking to Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2, The Jacksons said: "We're looking forward to coming to London, to Hyde Park, and when we get there we're going to be singing all the greats, and we're going to have a really big party. We always bring great weather over from California!"

Joining the Jacksons on the billing, tenor Russell Watson will perform for the Hyde Park audience, and trumpeter Alison Balsom will entertain the crowds fresh from her appearance at the BBC Proms.

Soprano Danielle de Niese will be performing at both Proms in the Park and the Last Night of the Proms in the Royal Albert Hall - at Hyde Park, she will bring The Sound of Music to the crowds, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the release of the iconic film, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

Celebrating its 20th year, BBC Proms in the Park is Britain's largest outdoor classical music event.

Tickets for Proms in the Park at Hyde Park go on sale at 11.00am on Friday 15 May from bbc.co.uk/promsinthepark