Roz Waters
05:30, 10 July 2026
A WEEKEND of world-class garden opera and rhythm and blues has raised more than £42,000 for two local charities.
Set in the gardens of Kingfishers on Normandy Lane in Lymington, the charity weekend featured music from The Cosimo Matassa Project and a performance from renowned opera singers.
A popular fixture in the local calendar, this year the open-air concerts were organised in support of local mental health charity Hammersley Homes and the Walkford-based Coda Music and Arts Trust.
Opera singers at Kingfishers
The event, hosted by Amanda Mann, has become a highlight of the New Forest calendar over the last five years.
Amanda recalled that the idea to raise money in her garden came about “completely by accident” after she heard about a Shakespeare group which had lost its stately home venue; she offered up her garden in a “moment of recklessness”.
She said: “Since then, this weekend has slowly grown into something very special – not corporate, not polished, and definitely not perfect – but warm, welcoming and completely community-driven.
“Everything you see here has come from the kindness of local people. The flowers, the volunteers, the sponsors, the musician and that has always been the spirit of this weekend: from the community, for the community.”
Kingfisher's garden concerts - Sir Desmond Swayne and Amanada Mann
Hammersley Homes founder Louise Hallett said: “We are honoured to be one of the charities chosen to benefit from this fabulous weekend of music, and last year’s event exceeded all our expectations – the atmosphere was simply magical.”
She added: “The Kingfishers Music Weekend has become one of the most warmly anticipated events in the Hampshire calendar – an opportunity to share something joyful with friends and family, while helping to fund the very necessary work and services that enhance the lives of people suffering with mental health challenges.
Amanda Mann, Colm McCarthy and Louise Hallett
The Saturday evening was a celebration of opera, transporting audiences through some of the most beloved and dramatic works in the classical repertoire.
“Sunday then brought a change of tempo with a rhythm and blues line-up from The Cosimo Matassa Project; the perfect soundtrack to a sunny afternoon in the garden.”
The two events raised a total of £42,246, which will be donated to Hammersley Homes and the Coda Music and Arts Trust.