Battle Proms at Highclere Castle heads towards fireworks finale

Over 9,500 visitors spread out for picnic concert

Battle Proms is heading towards a rousing, flag waving and fireworks finale at Highclere Castle - home of Downton Abbey - later this evening (Saturday).

Over 9,500 visitors will stream out of the sold-out-for-weeks picnic concert , situated over the Berkshire/Hampshire border, to make their way homewards into the sunset.

This will be after acclaimed soprano, Denise Leigh, brings the vast crowd to its feet, for a flag-waving, Proms sing-along, followed by a spectacular fireworks finale.

The rain has held off and sun broken through today, as the finishing touch to treats including a Napoleonic Cavalry display and Battle of Britain gun salute to mark the 75th anniversary of the air campaign.

All eyes were raised to the skies for a choreographed Spitfire air display, accompanied by a programme of classical music , led by the New English Concert Orchestra.

Live cannon fire from over 200 replica Napoleonic cannons, along with musket fire and fireworks provided the percussion for Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Beethoven's Battle Symphony.

For a sumptuous spread of several pages of photographs taken at this year's Battle Proms, pick up a copy of the Newbury Weekly News on Thursday.