The Kirstenbosch summer concert series are a spectacular mix of music and nature. Photo courtesy Christoph Lenz

Summer is officially here, which heralds the arrival of the Old Mutual Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts series. The concerts, set in one of the world’s most beautiful locations – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – are a one-of-a-kind musical experience and one of the highlights of Cape Town’s summer season.

An annual event showcasing local home-grown talent, this popular Cape Town concert series is always sold out well in advance.

The 2011/12 season has a superstar line-up with something for everyone: Locnville, Jax Panik and Goldfish for dance lovers; jazz and Afro-soul enthusiasts can enjoy Lira, Hugh Masekela, Mango Groove and Freshlyground; and those who prefer something a little heavier can rock out to the Parlotones, Zebra and Giraffe and Wrestlerish.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is located at the foot of Table Mountain and is famous for its diverse collection of indigenous flora. National Geographic Traveller recently named it as one of its favourite picnic spots in the world, so arm yourself with a picnic basket and a bottle of wine and enjoy this spectacular mix of music and nature.

Tickets are available through Web Tickets, or you can phone +27 (0)21 799 8783 for more information. View the full line-up below or click here to download the full programme.

As a teaser for the upcoming season, below is a video of Goldfish performing at Kirstenbosch.

The Parlotones performing at a previous Summer Concert. Photo courtesy Candice Wouters

November 20: Locnville, Jax Panik

November 27: Van Coke Kartel, Jack Parow

December 04: Lira

December 11: The Parlotones

December 15: Carols by Candelight

December 06: Carols by Candelight

December 17: Carols by Candelight

December 26: Zebra & Giraffe

January 01: Mango Groove

January 08: The Graeme Watkins Project, Plush

January 15: Johnny Clegg

January 22: Dan Patlansky, Natasha Meister

February 05: Flash Republic, Foto Na Dans

February 12: Going Back to the Crossroads

February 19: Taxi Violence, Machineri

Freshlyground performing on stage. Photo courtesy Jim Sher

February 26: Cape Philharmonic Orchestra

March 04: The Blues Broers, Albert Frost

March 11: Goldfish

March 18: Freshlyground

March 25: Hugh Masekela

April 01:  Hot Water, Wrestlerish