2 days ago
Spitfires, parachutists and cavalry at palace's nostalgia event
Staff at stately home Blenheim Palace are getting ready to stage the annual Battle Proms next month.
Each year, the Woodstock visitor attraction hosts the military nostalgia event.
The Battle Proms takes place overlooking the Column of Victory in the palace grounds, which include 2,100 acres of formal gardens and 'Capability' Brown-landscaped parkland.
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This year's Proms will take place on Saturday, July 5.
(Image: Blenheim Palace) The Battle Proms Concerts are the longest running picnic proms series in the UK, attracting about 30,000 visitors a year since the first concert in 1997.
Proms concerts are also held at Burghley House, Peterborough, Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire, and Highclere Castle, Hampshire.
At Blenheim, gates will open at 4.30pm, and there will be a cavalry display at 6.15pm, followed by a parachute display from The Red Devils at 6.45pm.
There will be an evening gun salute featuring more than 200 cannons at 7.55pm, followed by a Spitfire display at 8pm.
(Image: Oxford Mail) The musical programme runs from 8pm to 10.30pm and there will be a fireworks finale.
Entry to the palace and gardens is not included in the Battle Proms ticket, but Battle Proms ticket holders can purchase palace entry with an exclusive 30% discount if they plan to visit the palace during the day.
The website says: "Widely regarded as the most exciting summer proms concert in the country, the Battle Proms is a firmly established favourite that thousands of fans return to year after year.
"Pack up a picnic, stock up on fizz and join the party; whether you're planning a romantic evening as a couple, a celebration as a group, or want to enjoy an informal concert as a family then this could be the unique experience you have been looking for."
The event will support armed forces charity SSAFA.
SSAFA said in a statement: "A full programme of unforgettable entertainment will ensure your evening goes off with a bang.
"You will enjoy daring cavalry performances, hair-raising parachute displays and hear the unmistakable rumble of the Spitfire as it flies overhead and if that's not enough, this perfect summer evening will conclude with a ground shaking firework and cannon display as the orchestra perform Beethoven's 'Battle Symphony'.
"Whether you're planning a romantic evening as a couple, a group celebration, or want to enjoy a fun filled day out as a family, this could be the unique experience you've been looking for."
Assistance dogs are the only dogs that are permitted at the event.
Blenheim Palace annual pass holders are entitled to a 10 per cent discount on standard advance adult and child tickets.
