Pack a picnic, chill some fizz, perhaps take an umbrella and experience one of the UK’s most spectacular summer traditions as the Battle Proms Picnic Concerts return for 2026.
This quintessentially British “party in the park” series features an orchestral programme with all the Last Night the Proms finale favourites, all in the surroundings of three of the UK’s most iconic stately homes, all in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
The season opens at Burghley House, Lincolnshire, on Saturday July 11 before moving on to Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire, on Saturday July 18.
The third and final show in 2026 will be at Highclere Castle – known and loved by many as “the real Downton Abbey” – in Hampshire, on Saturday August 1.
The Hatfield and Highclere concerts will be even more special this year as 2026 marks 25 years of Battle Proms at these venues.
Audiences can look forward to a dazzling programme of orchestral favourites, cinematic classics, and patriotic showstoppers all 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.
The spectacle begins with the Grace Spitfire soaring overhead with her Rolls-Royce Merlin engine adding its 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, a daring cavalry display set, appropriately enough, to von Suppé’s Light Cavalry Overture.
Eyes will go skyward again with the Red Devils – the British Army parachute display team – dropping in during the show.
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.
Victoria Findlay, SSAFA’s Senior Special Events Officer, said:
“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.
“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 – so book your tickets now at battleproms.com.”
Funds raised at these concerts go towards fulfilling SSAFA’s pledge that no serving person or veteran, or their family, will ever battle alone.
