Charity Partnership - SSAFA

While our events are very much a summer celebration, we are always mindful of the fact that music such as the 'Battle Symphony' was written to commemorate a battle in which lives were lost, and that war continues today, in various guises, with the men and women of the armed forces still facing incredibly traumatic experiences.

As a result, the Battle Proms team decided several years ago to use our concerts as a platform to support armed forces charities. We are delighted to confirm that we have now raised over £672,600 through audience donations and contributions from concert profits.

In 2018 we selected a new charity partner: SSAFA - the Armed Forces charity, who offer lifelong support for our Forces and their families, whenever and wherever it is needed, and to date we have raised a remarkable £337,703 for this wonderful charity, including a staggering £42,793 during our 2025 concert season!

Thank you!

The Battle Proms team would like to thank everyone who has donated so generously at the concerts.

Air Marshal Steve Shell CB OBE MA. SSAFA's Chief Executive, also has this message of thanks for you:

“We couldn’t continue our work supporting the Armed Forces community without people like you, the wonderful audience enjoying the Battle Proms.

Your contributions enable SSAFA to assist the military family of yesterday and today, and will support tomorrow’s with the same care and skill."

Learn more at ssafa.org.uk

SSAFA in action

Pete

When Army veteran Pete received the tragic news of his first wife’s death, SSAFA was there to support him. “I got a phone call from my daughter in hysterics saying her mum had passed away.’’ At the time, Pete was separated from his wife who lived with their daughter in Germany. He decided to bring her ashes back to the UK.

“SSAFA helped me immensely, especially financially. I don’t think I would have been able to get my daughter flown over from Germany for the laying to rest of the ashes if it hadn't been for SSAFA. One of the volunteers came round to pay a personal visit. They were absolutely amazing, so, so helpful, so supportive. They just couldn't do enough.”

Touched by SSAFA's support, Pete now gives back through fundraising. ‘It’s a little bit of payback for the help my family received, to help others who are in more dire need than I am.”

Danni & Geoff

Struggling during their transition from military to civilian life, RAF veteran Danni was referred to SSAFA Mentoring via Op COURAGE, an NHS mental health specialist service. “I didn’t know if it would be right for me,” Danni shares, “I didn’t think I was their ‘typical client’, but then I thought, 'Well, I've got nothing to lose."

In SSAFA Mentor Geoff, Danni found a non-judgemental listener and a source of guidance. “It's not a counselling service, it's more practical. You learn how to help yourself and learn from someone who's been in your position.”

"The mentoring service has provided me with long term stability, and I would recommend it to anyone who needs it."

Danni remains thankful to SSAFA and supportive of mentoring for service leavers. “To Geoff, all I can say is thank you for listening and walking with me,” they say. “Geoff walked with me on my journey out of the military.”

Learn more at ssafa.org.uk

Information Centre

The Battle Proms play host to open-air summer concerts in Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire and Hampshire at some of England’s most prestigious venues. Established in 1997, it is the longest running picnic proms series in the UK and welcomes around 30,000 visitors every summer