Ragley is to host its third spectacular Battle Proms open air concert on Saturday, August 31. Guests are invited to pack up their picnic hampers and enjoy an unrivalled blend of musical talent, expert displays, spectacular pyrotechnics and a celebratory atmosphere which makes the Battle Proms a truly memorable occasion.
The event starts from 4.30pm when guests can wander around the traditional fairground stalls, visit the Napoleonic re-enactors at their encampment and enjoy the warm-up act ‘The Rockabellas’ as they take to the stage. At 6.45pm the Napoleonic Cavalry and Infantry displays will demonstrate battlefield skills with lances, rifles and superb horsemanship. The gunners of the ‘English Field Artillery Company’ will herald the start of the musical programme at 7.25pm with a volley of shots.
The music beings at 7.30pm with classical favourites performed by the ‘New English Concert Orchestra’, conducted by Douglas Coombes and hosted by popular BBC presenter Pam Rhodes. Carolyn Grace in the legendary Grace Spitfire will be heard overhead in accompaniment to the concert’s opening piece. The ground will shake for Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with live cannon fire, serving as a pyrotechnical warm-up to the celebratory piece of music that gives the Battle Proms its name: Beethoven’s Wellington’s Victory, more commonly known as the ‘Battle Symphony’, performed with a staggering 193 cannons, musket fire and fireworks.
The evening ends around 10pm with the traditional sing-along, flag-waving proms finale, including favourites Jerusalem, Rule Britannia, God Save the Queen and Land of Hope and Glory, culminating in a dazzling firework spectacular.
Emma Maguire, Commercial Manager at Ragley, says, “We’re delighted to be hosting our third spectacular Battle Proms concert. With a lakeside setting, Ragley has a stunning and breath-taking location. The wonderful orchestral music, cavalry displays and cannon fire come together to create a truly unique event culminating in an amazing fireworks display. It is concert not to be missed!”
Tickets cost £34 for adults, £16 for children (aged 5-15). Children under 5 do not require a ticket. For more information please visit: www.battleproms.com. For more information on Ragley please visit the website at www.ragleyhall.com
