Battle Proms breaks all records

Saturday's Battle Proms picnic concert at Highclere Castle attracts 8,000 visitors.

THOUSANDS flocked to the spectacular Battle Proms picnic concert at Highclere Castle yesterday (Saturday July 30) beating records for visitor numbers and boosting charity funds.

A total 8,000 people - 2,000 more than last year - took advantage of warm weather to spread out on the grass in the beautiful parkland:

“It was basically a sell-out - our biggest concert ever in the country and in the 13 years it has been running,” said Beth Rees, spokeswoman for organisers, JSL Productions.

The success of the ITV series: Downton Abbey, mostly filmed at the castle, together with good weather, had she said, combined to attract huge numbers this year, with lots of last minute bookings.

Spitfires roared across the sky, flying behind the magnificent backdrop of the Victorian castle, with Napoleonic re-anactors wandering through the crowd - thrilled with daring horseback displays of Napoleonic cavalry.

Accompanied by a thunderous classical music programme, excitement mounted to Beethoven's Battle Symphony, as 200 live cannons fired, to create a unique percussion.

Soprano, Denise Leigh's voice soared above the crowd, singing a traditional folk song, Down By Sally Gardens, and leading the singing in a rousing, flag waving proms style finale.

Everyone was on their feet, belting out favourites including the patriotic: Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.

As dusk fell, lanterns were lit, with many visitors dressed for the occasion in tuxedos and ballgowns, others more relaxed in Wellingtons and casual attire.

The concert went out with a bang as fireworks exploded into the summer sky, followed by a smooth exodus from the car park:

“With that number of people, it can take several hours - but they were out in about an hour,” said Mrs Rees.

The concert helped to raise funds for the charity: Combat Stress, the ex-services mental welfare charity, with the total to be confirmed.