Band of Hope and Glory
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is tuning up for another summer of music, Prosecco and next-level entertainment at the annual Battle Proms, an iconic series of parties in the parks of some of the most beautiful and historic houses in the UK.
Don’t get Straussed out! You can definitely Handel it. Especially since there are four venues to choose from, with concert dates running right the way through July. There’s no Bach-ing out. This year’s Battle Proms season features concerts at Burghley House, Highclere Castle, Blenheim Palace, and Hatfield House.
Burghley House in Lincolnshire is famous for its grand Elizabethan architecture, with Battle Promenaders being offered up a stunning view of this beautiful 16th century stately home from the elevated position of the concert area.
Highclere Castle in Hampshire, now world famous as Downton Abbey, shows off its glory to the full. The Battle Proms take place on the lawns directly in front of the castle affording wonderful views of this now iconic building.
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, now a World Heritage Site, gives visitors some world class history and architecture. The concert ground is situated right next to the historic Column of Victory.
Hatfield Park in Hertfordshire, hosts the Battle Proms in the leafy surrounds of the Queen Elizabeth Oak Field. This beautiful area of parkland is said to be where the young Queen Elizabeth I heard the news of her sister Mary’s death and her accession to the English throne.
It doesn’t matter if you are interested in history, music, atmosphere or simply having a great time, there is a venue to suit everyone.
On a serious note, for SSAFA, the Battle Proms Picnic Concerts are an extraordinary lifeline. Since they started to support the charity in 2018 they have raised over £200,000, which is an extraordinary feat, especially since they had to be cancelled due to covid in 2020.
Jonathan Sandall, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said: “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the audiences at the four Battle Proms concerts across the summer.
“This money will help SSAFA support the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans and their families. And it’s through the generosity and support of the British public and events like Battle Proms that we can continue.”
Not only does buying a Battle Prom ticket help support a very worthy cause, there’s outstanding music, cavalry displays, Spitfire fly pasts, evening gun salutes, cannons, the Red Devils, Battle Prom Belles and fireworks. Quite simply put, this is the best, most British way to spend a glorious afternoon and evening with friends.
Find out how to get your tickets and more by visiting
ssafa.org.uk/challenge-events.
Not in tune with musical spectaculars?
Fundraise: You don’t have to love music to support SSAFA. How about a desert trek to the ancient site of Petra? You could get on your bike and Ride the Plain with your pals. Or organise a good, old-fashioned tea party – SSAFA’s Big Brew Ups are legendary, with lashings of tea and mountains of cake.
Volunteer: Time on your hands? Our branch network covers the whole of the UK and always needs Caseworkers to help our veterans. Busy but willing? There are lots of roles you can do online from home. Still serving? SSAFA’s Serving Community Teams need enthusiastic helpers from across the military network.
Follow: SSAFA’s website has a news section to keep you up to date on our latest stories. Our Instagram account will keep you entertained with history, our latest updates and news from around the regions, Twitter allows you to join in the SSAFA conversation and Facebook will keep you connected to the SSAFA community.
Visit ssafa.org.uk to find out more.
Did you know
Beethoven composed his ‘Battle Symphony’ to celebrate Wellington’s victory over the French at the Battle of Vittoria, which included in the score 193 shots from live cannon. Not something you can see performed in your average concert hall of course, but a spectacular addition to an open air concert! It is a performance which requires a very specialist ‘percussion’ section to be reproduced as Beethoven intended.