Thousands of visitors expected on Saturday at Highclere Castle's Battle Proms

Heavy traffic expected in the surrounding area

Battle Proms returns to Highclere Castle in all its musical pomp and glory tomorrow (Saturday Aug 1) - with heavy traffic anticipated in the surrounding area.

Anyone hoping for a last minute ticket for the spectacular picnic concert is likely to be disappointed, as the event has sold out.

Over 9,500 visitors are expected to stream into the scenic grounds of the castle, with gates opening at 4pm, when it will be time to unpack and spread out picnic hampers and uncork the bubbly, before the 5.30pm Napoleonic Cavalry display.

A Battle of Britain gun salute will fire a volley of shots from a vintage field-gun, to mark the 75th anniversary of the air campaign, with all eyes raised to the skies for a choreographed Spitfire air display, and 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 will provide the percussion for Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Beethoven's Battle Symphony.

Acclaimed soprano, Denise Leigh, returns to bring the vast crowd to its feet for a flag-waving, Proms sing-a-long, followed by a spectacular fireworks finale.

Re-visit this website for further coverage of this event and for extensive photographic coverage, pick up a copy of Thursday's (Aug 6) Newbury Weekly News.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING INFORMATION:

Traffic from the north (from Newbury and the A34 Tothill junction) will be directed to the main entrance to the estate.

Traffic headed to the castle from the south on the A34 will be directed into the estate via the Beacon Hill/Highclere Stud entrance, apart from disabled and pavilion traffic, taxis and coaches, which will be directed to the main entrance.

Drivers are instructed not to follow sat nav instructions to the venue, but to instead look out for temporary yellow event signage.

Parking is free, with a designated taxi drop-off/pick-up route.

There will be no pedestrian access into, or out of the estate during the concert - concert goers are obliged to enter and exit by vehicle only.

Parking for coaches is strictly limited, to arrange this in advance, telephone 01432 355416.

For more information visit www.battleproms.com.