Kokova Magazine

The Battle Proms are back for another explosive season at stunning locations around the country, including Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Althorp Park, family home of Diana, Princess of Wales and Highclere Castle, setting of hit ITV series Downton Abbey.

These stately settings provide the perfect backdrop for a uniquely British summer celebration, a ‘last night of the proms’ with a few thunderous surprises – let battle commence!

As well as sublime classical music, these unique open-air picnic concerts feature daring displays of Napoleonic horsemanship, a dazzling firework spectacular, 200 live cannons and even a carefully choreographed aerial display featuring that most iconic of battle planes, the Spitfire.

But it is Beethoven’s 'Battle Symphony' that gives these unique events their name.

This powerful piece of music was composed to celebrate the Duke of Wellington’s defeat of the French at the Battle of Vittoria in 1813.

It is rarely performed as Beethoven intended, with 193 live firing cannons as part of the score.

Battle Proms guests are treated to the full effect of this thunderous percussion, an experience not to be missed and one you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world!

The programme also includes soul-stirring classical favourites suited to the grandeur of the historic settings, from Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, to a sing-along finale packed with all the prom favourites such as Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and, of course, Rule Britannia.

Your host is much loved Songs of Praise presenter and celebrated compère Pam Rhodes and battle Proms are delighted to welcome superb soprano Denise Leigh to bring the finale to life and the crowd to their feet before the spectacular firework display lights up the summer sky.

Widely regarded as the most exciting summer proms concerts in the country, these are events that fans return to year after year.

Pack up a picnic, stock up on fizz and join the party; whether you’re planning a romantic evening as a couple, a celebration as a group, or want to enjoy an informal concert as a family then this could be the unique experience you have been looking for.

For more information, or to book tickets for these spectacular events visit www.battleproms.com

Or call on 01432 355 416.

You can also purchase tickets locally from selected Tourist Information Centres.

Battle Prom Venues And dates:

9 July 2011
Burghley House Lincolnshire
16 July 2011
Blenheim Palace Oxfordshire
23 July 2011
Hatfield House Hertfordshire
30 July 2011
Highclere Castle Berkshire
13 August 2011
Althorp Park Northamptonshire
20 August 2011
Ragley Hall Warwickshire

The Battle Proms is proud to support Combat Stress: the Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society, which specialises in helping veterans of the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy with psychological injuries caused through service to their country. Over the past 6 years a tremendous £80,000 has been raised for Combat Stress at the Battle Proms Concert series, both through audience donation and a contribution of the concerts’ profits.