Battle Proms returned to Highclere Castle, home of Downton Abbey, to raise money for SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity
There was all the pomp and circumstance we have come to expect on offer at Highclere Castle at the weekend, with the return of Battle Proms.
Nearly 9,000 people brought along their chairs and picnics to enjoy the evening of music, cavalry displays and a flypast.
Luckily the rain held off but unfortunately the winds were still too strong for the British Army Red Devils’ parachute display to take place.
Now firm favourites of all Battle Proms-goers, the musical part of show was opened by the Battle Proms Belles, Lizzie and Abi, who sang hits from the era and ended with ‘We’ll Meet Again’.
Those gathered in their best red, white and blue, waved flags and sang along, while children – and adults alike – had their photos taken with the cavalry and the horses.
No Proms would be complete with a rousing rendition of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance Pomp and Circumstance March No 4 In G to open proceedings for the orchestra. It was followed by all the favourites, including Beethoven’s Battle Symphony – complete with thundering cannons.
And everyone was in fine voice as the evening drew to a close with Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Elgar’s ‘Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 in D.
Established in 1997, Battle Proms is the longest running picnic proms series in the UK and welcomes around 40,000 visitors to its four events each year.
Organisers use the concerts as a platform to support armed forces charities and since 2018 the Proms has raised money for SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity. So far more than £540,000 has been raised.
Turn to page 36 to read a full review of the event in arts.