One of the social highlights in the calendar is the Battle Proms at Highclere Castle in Newbury. Despite living in the Newbury area all my life, I had not been until a few years ago, but now it is firmly in the diary.

Basically, it is a celebration of music, pomp and ceremony set in the backdrop of Highclere Castle. The evening is filled with cannon fire, charging horses from the cavalry, fireworks and rousing music, commemorating the battles of the past.

The highlights for me are the 1812 Overture played with actual cannon fire, the Spitfire display and of course the sing song at the end to “Land of hope and glory”  etc. This year was extra special as throughout the event, they announced the various Gold Medals being won at the London Olympics – the crowd went wild at the announcement of Jessica Ennis and her amazing win.

The weather did threaten to spoil everything, but in true British Spirit it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 10,000 strong crowd. Luckily, we did not need the waterproofs after all. We normally take a picnic hamper but we decided it was something else to possibly get soaked, so we packed a rucksack full of booze and a few snacks – but ending up feasting on Pork Hog Roast!

As the light went down, the fireworks lit up the sky and the crowd gathered at the front to sing along with the choir for the National Anthem and some old favourites – just amazing – really making you proud to be British.

If you have never been and think its not for you, do try it. Once you have been you will see why you get hooked on it and it will also appear in your social calendar year on year. It does get sold out quickly.

Here are a few pictures on the night for you to enjoy: