Programme

4.30pm Gates Open

Before the afternoon’s entertainment begins, there’s time to enjoy all the fun of the traditional fairground stalls and visit the fascinating Napoleonic encampment. While you settle down to enjoy your picnic, the music begins with the lively jazz band Cambridge Jazz Co.

6.45pm Napoleonic Cavalry and Infantry displays

The ‘age of elegance’ is expertly brought to life as the Napoleonic Association demonstrate the skills needed to survive on the battlefields of the period. It’s a captivating and colourful display of top-class horsemanship; expect lances, rifles, chivalry and plenty of cheering!

7.25pm Evening gun salute

The English Field Artillery Company will announce the commencement of the evening’s musical programme with a volley of shots from an authentic vintage field gun, answered by infantry musket fire.

7.30-10.00pm The Musical Programme

New English Concert Orchestra
Conductor: Douglas Coombes
Flute Soloist: Annie Lydford
Soprano: Denise Leigh
Host: Popular BBC broadcaster Tommy Pearson

The historic rumble of the Spitfire engine will accompany the beautiful opening pieces of the musical programme, as a meticulously choreographed aerial display is executed in the skies over the concert arena. In true Battle Proms style, the evening continues with a wealth of triumphal classics performed by the New English Concert Orchestra, joined by our superb soprano soloist Denise Leigh for an enchanting selection of arias and operettas.

Naturally, the programme would not be complete without Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture with live cannon fire, and of course the signature piece which gives this special event its name: Beethoven's ‘Battle Symphony’, a work which was originally composed to include the firing of 193 cannon as part of the score.

The Battle Proms is the only regular concert in the world to rise dramatically to this challenge using live cannon with real black powder explosions, each fired electronically according to the original score by the orchestra’s percussionist. Add to this a sky lit with precisely and expertly launched fireworks, and you truly have a spectacle of unforgettable dramatic impact.

Then it’s time to warm up your singing voice for the traditional flag-waving proms finale, including favourites Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory, culminating in a dazzling firework spectacular!

The Battle Proms Concert promises the ultimate party in the park packed with ground-shaking, breath-taking entertainment that you will never forget.

F.A.Qs & Extra Information

See the general F.A.Qs page

Ticket Information

In association with

Book online or call the Information and Booking Line 01432 355416

Per Adult:
£27 if booked before 1 February 2010. (Online purchase only.)
£28 if booked between 1 February and 30 April 2010
£30 if booked between 1 May 2010 and the day before the concert.
£35 on the day of concert (subject to availability).

Children aged 5 to 15:
£15
(children aged 4 and under are free, and do not require a ticket)

• You'll be pleased to know there is no booking fee!
• Advance group bookings of 10 or more qualify for a £2 reduction per ticket.
• Members of the Armed Forces, and concert venue membership holders are entitled to a £2 discount on their ticket. Please note: These discounts are only redeemable on advance telephone bookings.
• Activity Superstore voucher holders please click here to redeem your voucher online, or call Activity Superstore on 0871 384 1800.
• Click here to see our booking terms and conditions.

Picnic Hampers and Furniture

You can pre-order a superb picnic hamper, and also hire chairs, tables and gazebos to pick up on arrival at the concert. Click here to pre-order a picnic from Just Picnics

Click here to pre-order furniture from The Concert Shop

About Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is a dignified retreat, rich in history and treasures. Only one hour from London, the Castle sits in the heart of the Berkshire countryside amidst 6000 acres of stunning landscaped parkland. It was designed in the 1830s at the same time as the Houses of Parliament, and this soaring pinnacled mansion provided a perfect setting for the 3rd Earl of Carnavon, one of the great hosts of Queen Victoria's reign.

The 5th Earl of Carnarvon famously discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun and there is a permanent exhibition of Egyptology contained within the cellars of the Castle reflecting this exciting period of history. The family has also had a long association with horseracing and there is a second exhibition celebrating 10 years of links to this sport of kings.

The magnificent parkland with its massive cedars was designed by Capability Brown and is from an earlier house at Highclere. The Battle Proms Concert is the largest musical event in the Highclere Calendar. The concert takes place in front of the Castle which is illuminated by dramatic lighting and forms the backdrop to this stunning event.

Highclere Castle official website: www.highclerecastle.co.uk

Location

Highclere Castle, Highclere, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9RN

For detailed directions and public transport information please click here

For a list of places to stay in the area, please click here

• Please bring your own picnic, but for safety reasons no fires or barbecues are allowed.
• A hearty Hog Roast and a bar will be available.
• Seating and cover is not provided so do bring chairs, tables, picnic blankets and umbrellas.
• No dogs, other than guide dogs, can be admitted.
• Ample free parking is provided.
• Please come early to allow plenty of time for parking.
• Special parking is available for disabled concert-goers.
• The Spitfire air display is subject to weather conditions