AN intriguing mix of cowboy boots, cabaret and light-sabres will come together under the Star-Spangled Banner and a sky of fireworks at Eastnor Castle this month.

An American Dream is a celebration of the rich culture of the US, in the form of an outdoor concert from the Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra. An evening of razzmatazz and glamour is promised to an audience invited to bring a picnic on what is hoped will be a warm summer evening.

The show, on Friday, June 22, kicks off at 8pm with conductor Roderick Dunk leading the orchestra on an arrangement of An American Overture, before heading off to the Wild West with Copland's Rodeo Suite. The first half will be concluded with Gershwin's An American in Paris.

Excerpts from Bernstein's West Side Story, and soloist Mary Carewe with classics from Sondheim and Gershwin and songs such as Cabaret and It's Better With A Band lead into the grand finale.

The evening will draw to a close to John Williams' main theme from Star Wars, to the accompaniment of a thousand fireworks, orchestrated by Pains Fireworks.

The London-based company can trace its roots to gunpowder maker John Pain, who is rumoured to have supplied Guy Fawkes.

For more information call the ticket hotline on 0870 90 20 003. Tickets are £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for children in advance and are also available from Tourist Information Centres.