Pack a picnic, chill some fizz, and perhaps take an umbrella to enjoy one of the UK's most spectacular summer traditions at the Highclere Castle Battle Prom. This quintessentially British 'party in the park' concert series returns to Berkshire on August 1. The event features an orchestral programme with all the Last Night of the Proms finale favourites in the grounds of Highclere Castle – known and loved by many as 'the real Downton Abbey' – all in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Programme Highlights
Audiences can look forward to a dazzling programme of orchestral favourites, cinematic classics, and patriotic showstoppers set against a glorious summer evening backdrop. The 2026 line-up includes a James Bond medley with the Battle Proms Belles, nostalgic hits from the 1940s and '50s, and even a special nod to The Archers as the beloved radio drama marks its 75th anniversary.
Spectacular Performances
The spectacle begins with the Grace Spitfire soaring overhead, her Rolls-Royce Merlin engine adding a 12-cylinder accompaniment to the stirring sounds of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4. There will be virtuoso performances of Mozart's Flute Concerto and Rimsky-Korsakov's Flight of the Bumblebee, along with a daring cavalry display set to Von Suppe's Light Cavalry Overture. Eyes will turn skyward again with the Red Devils – the British Army parachute display team – dropping in during the show.
Grand Finale
The excitement continues right to the end with the Battle Proms finale: Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Beethoven's Battle Symphony (formally known as Wellington's Victory), complete with cannon fire in true Battle Proms style and fireworks.
Supporting SSAFA
“SSAFA is incredibly grateful to the organisers of the Battle Proms Picnic Concerts, not only for creating such memorable experiences, but also for the vital funds these events raise to support people across the Armed Forces community,” said special events officer Victoria Findlay. “These spectacular summer events are the perfect excuse to gather your favourite people, pack a picnic, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, pageantry, and fireworks.”
Tickets can be booked now at battleproms.com. Funds raised at these concerts go towards SSAFA's pledge that no serving person or veteran, or their family, should ever battle alone.
Location: Newbury, West Berkshire.
