BATTLE Proms returns to Highclere Castle on Saturday, August 1, for an evening of classical music, carefully choreographed Spitfire and cavalry displays, dramatic cannon fire and a stunning firework finale.

It’s all set against the iconic backdrop of Highclere Castle, the inspiration and main shooting location of ITV’s award-winning costume drama Downton Abbey.

The Battle Proms takes much of its historical inspiration from the Napoleonic wars, which came to a conclusion 200 years ago at the Battle of Waterloo when Napoleon’s rule as Emperor of the French was ended.

As well as marking this 200th anniversary the Battle Proms team are also planning to commemorate 75 years since the Battle of Britain and 70 years since the end of the Second World War with a number of additions to the programme.

These will include The Battle of Britain Evening Gun Salute, honouring this pivotal air campaign and end of the war itself, as the gunners herald the arrival of the Grace Spitfire with a volley of shots from a vintage 13 Pounder field gun.

Pam Rhodes will host the event.

Conducted by Douglas Coombes and performed by the New English Concert Orchestra, the programme will also include classical favourites suited to the grandeur of the historic setting, from Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture to a sing-along finale packed with all the prom favourites such as Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.

Accompanying the orchestra will be soprano Denise Leigh.

Find out more online at battleproms.com or call 01432 355 416.