Battle Proms at Burghley House 2025: Fireworks, Cannons, and a Whole Lot of Flag-Waving

There are concerts, and then there’s Battle Proms at Burghley House—a summer evening where classical music meets live cannon fire, historic cavalry displays, parachuting daredevils, and a spectacular fireworks finale.

On Saturday 12th of July 2025, the long-running open-air concert returns for its 20th anniversary at Burghley House, promising an unforgettable evening of music, history, and patriotic celebration.

Whether you're a classical music enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone who likes the idea of watching a Spitfire loop the loop over your picnic, Battle Proms is the kind of event that sticks with you long after the last firework has faded.

A Concert Like No Other

The New English Concert Orchestra, under the baton of Douglas Coombes MBE, will take centre stage this year, performing a two-hour programme packed with much-loved classics. The event’s ever-charming compère, BBC presenter Pam Rhodes, will guide the audience through an evening of rousing music, including:

• Elgar’s Nimrod – the kind of piece that makes you stand a little taller

• The Dam Busters March – because no British event would be complete without it

• The Downton Abbey Theme – a nod to modern nostalgia

• Gershwin’s Summertime, performed by star soprano Denise Leigh

• Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, featuring live cannon fire for that extra bit of drama

And, of course, it all builds up to the traditional Last Night of the Proms-style finale, complete with Jerusalem, Rule Britannia, and Land of Hope and Glory, as thousands of Union Jacks wave in the summer evening light.

Cannons, Cavalry, and a Spitfire in the Sky

Battle Proms isn’t just about the music—it’s a full-scale historic spectacle. The evening kicks off with an authentic Napoleonic cavalry display, bringing 19th-century battle tactics to life with precision horsemanship. Then, all eyes turn to the sky as a WWII Spitfire performs an incredible choreographed aerial display, swooping and rolling in perfect time to Elgar’s Nimrod.

If that’s not impressive enough, The Red Devils, the British Army’s official parachute display team, will drop in from above, performing high-speed aerial manoeuvres before landing gracefully in the arena.

And then there are the cannons. Not just one or two for effect—193 live-firing Napoleonic cannons, all timed to the thunderous crescendo of Beethoven’s Battle Symphony. Nowhere else in the world can you experience this exactly as the composer intended—with real gunpowder shaking the ground beneath your feet.

A Fireworks Finale Fit for Burghley House

After all that drama, there’s only one way to end the evening—fireworks. As the final notes of Land of Hope and Glory ring out, the sky above Burghley House will explode into with colour thanks to an incredible closing display. It’s the perfect end to an event that celebrates music, history, and good old-fashioned British pageantry.

Pack a Picnic, Grab a Glass, and Settle In

Battle Proms isn’t the kind of event where you just turn up and stand around. It’s a proper British picnic affair, so bring a blanket, stock up on your favourite nibbles, and pop open a bottle of something fizzy. There’s also the option to pre-order a picnic, saving you the hassle of packing your own feast.

For those who like a little extra comfort, gazebos, picnic tables, and chairs are available to hire, ensuring you’ve got the best seat in the house.

Tickets and Essential Info

With thousands expected to attend, early booking is highly recommended.

• Date: Saturday 12 July 2025

• Time: 4.30pm – 10.30pm

• Venue: Burghley House, Stamford

• Adult tickets: From £48.50

• Child tickets (5-15 years): £23

• Children under 5: Free

Parking is free, but with up to 8,000 guests expected, it’s best to arrive early to avoid long queues.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Burghley Battle Proms 2025

There’s a reason the Battle Proms are the longest-running picnic proms series in the UK. They're a unique mix of history, music, military displays, and fireworks, set in the stunning grounds of some of Britain’s finest country estates. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a family outing, or a group celebration, this is a summer event that delivers on spectacle, atmosphere, and good old-fashioned fun.

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