The owners of Swakeleys House have invited the public to stroll in the grounds, have a picnic and ‘enjoy the magnificent views’ on Saturday.
Meanwhile, up at Vyners School in Warren Road, the gala day event will be going ahead, after organisers switched it from the Grade I-listed, 17th century house in a dispute over access.
The house’s owner, CES Properties (Ickenham), had banned vehicle access to the grounds on the day, refused to allow a PA system to be set up and said ‘no’ to the traditional evening firework display – restrictions which the organising committee felt it could not work around.
Kevin Wright, saying he spoke on behalf of CES ‘in this matter’, invited members of the public along between 10am and 6pm.
“We are carrying out much needed maintenance of the grounds of Swakeleys House Estate, encouraged and excited by Hillingdon Council’s support for the conversion of the Estate back to residential use,” he said in a statement.
“Specialist landscape contractors are working on the grounds and they are already looking splendid. We wanted to take advantage of a period of good spring weather, which, of course, has failed to materialise, and to ensure the grounds were looking their best for the open day.
“As a result of the weather, the ground is still very wet, but it should still be good for picnics.”
Doug Neilson, the festival’s vice-chairman, reiterated his hope the gala day would be able to return to the grounds of the house in future years.
“Choosing to be open this Saturday shows some good faith and willingness to work with the people of Ickenham, and that is a positive thing,” he said.
