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A popular picnic concert will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day at this summer's festivities. Hatfield Park Battle Proms - the Vintage Spectacular! (Image: The Battle Proms) Hatfield Park Battle Proms promises a "Vintage Spectacular" on Saturday, July 19, with lots of new vintage elements added to the day's events to commemorate VE Day 80 years on. The 24th annual Battle Proms in the Hertfordshire park will be bigger and better than ever, so pack a picnic, chill the fizz and join the celebrations! The Battle Proms fireworks finale (Image: The Battle Proms) Alongside the breathtaking displays the Battle Proms is famous for — uplifting classical music, stunning fireworks, a Spitfire flying overhead, cannons firing in tune with the music, cavalry, and the Red Devils parachute display team — this year will be a "Vintage Spectacular" to celebrate the VE Day 80th anniversary year in style.
If swing is your thing, you can get your toes tapping with the gorgeous harmonies and 1940s glamour of the Battle Proms Belles and their superb live band, and join in with the fabulous moves from the Victory Swing dancers. The Battle Proms will have a vintage feel this year (Image: The Battle Proms) Around the arena you’ll be invited to revive the nostalgia of a bygone era at the fascinating World War II living history displays led by the country’s foremost wartime enthusiasts, with authentic vintage vehicles, memorabilia and expert re-enactors. Ticket holders can also enjoy an orchestral programme of iconic pieces from film, TV and the musicals alongside uplifting classical music you know and love.
Conducted by Douglas Coombes, the programme includes Holst’s Jupiter accompanied by an aerial display from the legendary Grace Spitfire, as well as Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Beethoven’s 'Battle Symphony' complete with 200 live firing cannons. Themes from war movies The Great Escape and 633 Squadron will also be performed by the orchestra alongside much-loved operatic arias from superstar soprano Denise Leigh. The Battle Proms orchestra (Image: The Battle Proms) Compèred by Pam Rhodes, the classical concert will close with a jubilant, flag-waving, sing-along finale with all the traditional Proms favourites like Jerusalem, Rule, Britannia!, Land of Hope and Glory and more under a sky of dazzling fireworks.
Book early for the best prices and see the Battle Proms website for great group, military, blue light and other discounts. Battle Proms' final early booking offer for adults — £10 cheaper than tickets on the day of the concert — ends on April 30. See www.
battleproms.com for more info. The Red Devils parachute display team flying the Battle Proms flag (Image: The Battle Proms) Since 2004, Battle Proms concerts around the UK have raised more than £500,000 for military charities.
In 2018, organisers teamed up with SSAFA - the Armed Forces charity, who offer lifelong support for our forces and their families, whenever and wherever it is needed. Battle Proms concerts have now helped to raise a remarkable £294,910 for this wonderful charity, and more than £629,800 for military charities to date. Cannon fire and fireworks during the Battle Proms orchestral performance of the 1812 Symphony (Image: Tammy Marlar / The Battle Proms).
