Highclere Castle
The Battle Proms Concert and its fireworks display take place on the lawns directly in front of the Castle, affording wonderful views of this soaring pinnacled mansion and the surrounding countryside of the Berkshire and Hampshire borders.
‘Downton Abbey’, the major drama series from ITV, is filmed on location at Highclere Castle, and the Battle Proms provides a great opportunity to spend the evening at the venue of this highly successful production.
The Castle was the seat of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who in 1922 famously discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun with his colleague Howard Carter.
Highclere Castle official website: www.highclerecastle.co.uk
How to Book
Ticket Prices
Per Adult:
£29.00 if booked before 31 January 2013 (Online purchase only)
£31.50 if booked between 1 February 2013 and 30 April 2013
£34.00 if booked from 1 May 2013 until the day before the concert
Child aged 5 to 15:
£16.00 (children aged 4 and under are free, and do not require a ticket)
Concert Pavilion:
£240.00 for a table of 4
£340.00 for a table of 6
Battle Proms Concerts are proud to offer a £2 discount per ticket to serving and retired military personnel - please call the Box Office on 01432 355 416 to redeem .
Ticket Information
- On the Day In the event that tickets remain available on the day, these can be purchased on the gate at £39 per adult.
- POSTAL INFO Please note that tickets are not sent straight away, but will be posted in batches: one in early April and then again in early June. Please see your confirmation e-mail for further details.
- Group Discount Advance group bookings of 10 or more qualify for a £2 reduction per ticket.
- Military / Venue Discount Serving and retired 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.
- Any Extra Charges? You'll be pleased to know there is no booking fee and no postal charge!
- Hospitality Options We can provide fantastic party packages for your group or company, offering bespoke or all-inclusive hospitality to meet your needs. Please click here to find out more or call on 01432 355416 to discuss your requirements.
- Voucher Holder? Activity Superstore voucher holders only please click here to redeem your voucher online, or call Activity Superstore on 0871 384 1800.
- Ts and Cs Click to see our booking terms and conditions.
Buy from local Tourist Information centres
- Newbury Corn Exchange
- Newbury Tourist Information Centre
- Reading Arts and Venues
- Winchester Tourist Information Centre
- The Lights Arts Centre, Andover
- Romsey Tourist Information Centre
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 note that the Castle is closed to the public on Fridays and Saturdays. If you wish to visit on the Sunday after the concert we would strongly recommend pre-booking as places are very popular. Visit the Castle's website for further detailsPicnic Hampers and Furniture Hire
Order here online and collect on arrival at the concert.
You can also hire chairs, tables and pre-erected gazebos to help make your Battle Proms evening extra special.
Order here online and pick up on arrival at the concert.
(NOTE - Strictly limited availability on gazebos - please book early to avoid disappointment)
Partners
Programme
Food, Drink, Friends
Music, Spectacle, Ambience
Discover a unique experience at the 13th annual Highclere Castle Battle Proms Concert:
Please note: The 2012 Highclere Castle Battle Proms sold out in advance. Please book early to avoid disappointment!
4.30pm Gates Open
Relax with your hampers and champers, win a prize at the traditional fairground stalls, visit the Napoleonic re-enactors at their encampment and get in the party spirit as warm-up act The Rockabellas take to the stage!
The Blades Aerobatic Display Team
The world renowned Blades Aerobatic Team perform their dynamic and breathtaking aerial display. You could fly with the Blades: Visit their stall on site for exclusive charity flight bookings being taken on the night! Proceeds from these flights will go to the Battle Proms charity partner, Combat Stress.
WATCH NOW:
A video of The Blades in action
The Blades passenger experience - this could be you!
6.45pm Napoleonic Cavalry and Infantry displays
There’s a thundering of hooves as the mounted cavalry invite you to discover the colour and chivalry of the Napoleonic era, demonstrating battlefield skill-at-arms with lances, rifles and superb horsemanship.
7.25pm Evening Gun Salute
The gunners of the English Field Artillery Company herald the commencement of the evening’s musical programme with a volley of shots from an authentic vintage field gun.
7.30pm-10.00pm The Musical Programme
The evening continues with an uplifting and inspiring celebration of soul-stirring classical favourites, performed by the New English Concert Orchestra conducted by Douglas Coombes, and hosted by popular BBC presenter Pam Rhodes.
The historic and unmistakable sound of the Spitfire engine rumbles overhead in accompaniment to the concert’s opening piece. This meticulously choreographed and tear-jerking aerial display is performed in the skies above the arena by Carolyn Grace in the legendary Grace Spitfire.
Let battle commence! The ground shakes for Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with live cannon fire, serving as a pyrotechnical warm-up to the celebratory piece of music that gives the Battle Proms its name: Beethoven’s Wellington’s Victory, more commonly known as the ‘Battle Symphony’, performed with a staggering 193 cannons, musket fire and fireworks. 
The Battle Proms is the only regular open air concert in the world to perform this piece in full using live cannon with real black powder explosions, each fired electronically by the orchestra’s percussionist following the original score. This is classical music with unrivalled dramatic impact; an unforgettable spectacle that must be seen (and heard!) to be believed.
WATCH NOW: The Battle Proms cannons in action.
The perfect summer evening closes with the traditional sing-along, flag-waving proms finale, including favourites Jerusalem, Rule Britannia, God Save the Queen and Land of Hope and Glory, culminating in a dazzling firework spectacular!
Widely regarded as the most exciting summer proms concert in the country, the Battle Proms is a firmly established favourite that thousands of 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.
FINISH APPROX 10.00pm
The estate directly in front of Highclere Castle itself is the perfect location for an evening of music and displays, with views across the Castle, the parkland and the beautiful Hampshire countryside.
Enjoy a summer's evening of entertainment with orchestral music, singing, cavalry, and of course the choreographed Spitfire display, culminating in an explosive finale with a dazzling fireworks display
Questions?
See our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, or contact us using the details below.
