What's Happening At The Russell Watson Concert At Yorkshire Wildlife Park This Summer?

Imagine this: you spend a day wandering around a fantastic park, spotting some of the most amazing animals on the planet. Then, as the evening draws in, you settle down to watch a world-famous singer perform on a huge stage. Sounds pretty special, right? Well, that's exactly what's on the cards at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where the incredible opera singer Russell Watson is getting ready for a huge concert.

Before he even steps on stage, he's been getting to know some of the park's more slippery residents - the sea lions!

An opera singer gets up close with the wildlife

It's not every day a global star swaps the spotlight for a bucket of fish, but that's what happened when Russell Watson visited the Yorkshire Wildlife Park recently. He got the chance to meet and feed the sea lions in their enormous lake, which is actually one of the biggest of its kind in the world. It's one thing seeing these incredible species from a distance, but another thing entirely to be right there with them. This visit wasn't just about a fun day out with the animals, though. Watson is a massive fan of the park and its dedication to looking after wildlife.

He was full of praise for the team's vital conservation work. Speaking about his visit, the world-renowned singer said: "I was able to meet some more of the animals who reside at this magnificent wildlife park. Having been to YWP on a couple of occasions I have witnessed firsthand the hard work that they do for conservation." It's clear that this isn't just a performance venue for him; it's a place he genuinely admires. The park is home to many beautiful and rare species, and providing a safe and enriching environment is a top priority. A happy animal is a healthy animal, after all.

More than just a park

So, what makes this place so special? According to Watson, it's all about how the park prioritises its residents. He explained, "I think it is marvellous how they create the most natural habitat for the animals, and they all have plenty of space to roam around." That's a big deal. Creating a natural habitat means the animals can behave as they would in the wild, which is brilliant for their well-being. This commitment to animal welfare and conservation work really shines through in everything they do.

The singer continued, "Yorkshire Wildlife Park certainly has the animals' best interests at heart. It heavily buys into conservation, undertakes a lot of rescue schemes and releases that are ready back into the wild." These rescue schemes are so important, helping animals that are in trouble and giving them a second chance. And this passion for animal welfare isn't just professional for Watson. It turns out, he's a bit of an animal rescuer himself! He has his own eclectic collection of animals, including a South African ostrich living in his back garden. It seems his love for all creatures, big and small, is a perfect match for the park's own mission.

Get ready for an amazing live music event

Now, let's talk about the main event. On August 31st, the famous opera singer will take to the stage to kick off his 25th Anniversary Tour. This isn't just any concert; it's part of the park's spectacular Wild Live Concerts 2025 series. Imagine listening to stunning classical hits and show-stopping musical theatre numbers under the summer sky - what a unique atmosphere! Watson is certainly excited to be back performing for a live audience at this particular park. "I have performed at Yorkshire Wildlife Park a couple of times now and it is such a good event," he said.

Outdoor concerts have a special kind of magic, don't they? And it seems these big summer events are becoming rarer, especially since the disruption caused by Covid. Watson noted, "It is always marvellous when you can perform on a big stage to a large audience because unfortunately lots of summer events are disappearing, especially since Covid." This makes the Wild Live concert series feel even more special. The atmosphere is always electric, with a friendly, family vibe. "The crowds are always up for a good time and the atmosphere has a true family feel which is fantastic," Watson added. "I am really looking to forward to it. It will be a great night - they always are!" With a previous audience of around 7,000 people, it promises to be a massive night of fantastic live music.

What's included with your concert tickets?

Here's the brilliant bit. When you buy your concert tickets, you're not just getting access to an evening of music from a global star. Your ticket also gets you a full day's entry to the wildlife park! So, you can make a proper day of it. Here's what you get:

• Full-day entry to Yorkshire Wildlife Park on the day of the concert.
• The chance to see some of the world's most beautiful and rare species.
• An evening concert featuring Russell Watson's classical hits and musical theatre favourites.
• Access to amazing food and drink stalls during the event.

It's an incredible package. You could spend the afternoon exploring, coming almost face-to-face with tigers, polar bears, and giraffes, and then find your spot for the evening's entertainment. The whole resort is designed for a great day out. Beyond the park itself, there's also The Yorkshire Hive, which is a fantastic shopping, dining, and entertainment village. And if you want to make a short break of it, you can even stay over at the Hex Wildlife Hotel. It's a complete experience, combining a love for animals and wildlife with the thrill of a live concert. If you're looking for tickets for a truly memorable event this summer, this could be the one.