A star-studded Buckingham Palace garden party is to be held in honour of the British arts and creative industries for the first time.

The King has given permission for some 4,000 representatives from culture, art, heritage, film, TV, radio and fashion, to be hosted at the palace.

The garden party, on May 15, will celebrate the sector’s value to the economy in helping to showcase British culture on the global stage.

The idea was proposed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and happily supported by the King, who is a passionate supporter of the arts.

Buckingham Palace also confirmed that the King’s traditional summer garden parties will take place on May 8 and May 21, with a third at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on July 2.

This year, they will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Commonwealth.

The King, 75, is hoping to attend the first garden party next week, medical advice pending, following his return to public duties after a successful response to his cancer treatment.

Aides are busy making contingency plans to establish the safest way for him to join the thousands of guests, with options ranging from him appearing at a distance for the national anthem, to a full walk to greet the crowds.

As has become tradition, the Princess Royal will host the Not Forgotten Association’s annual garden party at the palace on May 17.

The RNLI has also been granted special permission to host a garden party on May 23, marking its 200th anniversary.

The event will be hosted by the Princess Royal, accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, who is vice president of the RNLI and the Duke of Kent, who has been president of the charity since March 25, 1969.

Among the 2,500 guests will be long-serving RNLI volunteers, staff and their families, while an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat will be on display.

Meanwhile, Prince Edward will host more than 8,000 young Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award recipients for a “festival-style” celebration in the Buckingham Palace garden.

As patron of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a role he inherited from his father, the royal will preside over four celebratory events for young people over two days on May 10 and May 13.

The vast gardens will be transformed into a “festival-style celebration” with lawn games and activities. Guests will hear from inspirational public figures, including celebrity Duke of Edinburgh award holders such as actor Jason Watkins, journalists Clive Myrie and Krishnan Guru-Murthy and astronaut Tim Peake.

The sovereign’s garden parties are a staple of the royal calendar and allow senior royals to meet members of the public from all walks of life.

Some 8,000 guests mingle on the lawn as they enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the 39-acre garden.

Invitations are extended by Lord Lieutenants, who can typically nominate around 50 people from their county, each of whom is deemed to have made a major contribution to life in the community.