What Can I Expect

Delight in any of a number of picnic concerts at some of England's finest country house estates for a quintessentially British evening of music, entertainments and fireworks.

Gather in the historic grounds to soak up the festival atmosphere and enjoy an evening of sublime music. The soul-stirring programme is performed by a full orchestra and includes iconic pieces from film, TV and the musicals alongside classical favourites you know and love, with moving arias from an incredible soprano plus the spectacle of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Beethoven's ambitious 'Battle Symphony', which feature the firing of over 200 live cannons!

Before the orchestra take to the stage you'll enjoy toe-tapping vintage vocals from a live warm-up band as you unpack your picnic and crack open the bubbly. There's a colourful skill-at-arms display from the mounted cavalry showcasing a variety of historic regalia, followed by a stunning freefall display from the army's Red Devils parachute team. Get your flags ready and look to the sky for the arrival of the legendary ‘Grace' Spitfire in a breathtaking display performed as the orchestra play the evening's opening pieces. The evening closes with a traditional sing-along finale with Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and more as a dazzling firework display lights up the summer night sky.

Of course, these concerts just wouldn't be the same without some food and fizz, so why not upgrade your tickets to include the picnic basket option and you'll be furnished with a tasty spread, or the Prosecco option so you can enjoy a bottle of bubbly!

Picnic, music and friends all in a stunning setting, and with four venues to choose from, these concerts offer an excellent evening of summer entertainment to look forward to, with the option to make things extra special by sharing a delicious picnic or bubbly too!

When Is It Available

• Available on selected Saturdays in July / August 2025
• Air displays are subject to weather conditions
• Vouchers must be booked and redeemed in advance and tickets are subject to availability.
• It is recommended to book early to avoid disappointment, and always at least 2 weeks before your chosen concert date
• Vouchers are valid for the 2025 concert dates
• Voucher valid until 2 August 2025

Suitable For

• The Proms are suitable for all ages and there is no dress code
• Under 5's may enter for free

Anything Else

• No dogs are permitted (except assistance dogs)
• Barbecues, sky lanterns, naked flames, drones and recording equipment are not permitted
• Entrance to houses and grounds is not included
• Guests can bring a gazebo however these must be set up at the back of the auditorium and spaces may be limited
• Free parking is provided, including disabled parking
• Treat yourself to the Picnic or Prosecco option, or bring your own picnic and drink
• Some catering and coffee stalls are also available on site
• There is a licenced bar at all events
• If you opt for the picnic or Prosecco option these are collected from the onsite 'picnic collection point' adjacent to the main box office, within 2 hours of the gate opening times
• Seating is not provided so please bring your own camping chairs/rugs etc
• Bookings for Highclere Castle are subject to a supplement of up to £20

Menu

Sample Picnic Menu

Dinner Roll Selection

Sea salt crisps

Classic Hummus

Ginger, Honey and Apple Sausage Roll

Mini Pork Pie with Piccalilli

Summer Garden Salad of Mixed Leaves, Soft Herbs, Extra Virgin Olive Oil New Potatoes, Green Beans, Italian Olives and Roast Beetroot

Thyme-Roasted Chicken Breast with Baby Gem Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Mayo

White Chocolate Chip Brownie

Limoncello Cake

Mineral Water

Paterson's Grove Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 12.5% 75cl