Battle set to commence at Warwickshire’s Ragley Hall

As well as famous compositions including Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, spectators can expect a sing-along finale packed with all the prom favourites such as Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.

There will also be daring displays of Napoleonic horsemanship, fireworks, 200 live cannons and a carefully choreographed aerial display featuring the iconic battle plane, the Spitfire.

But it is Beethoven’s Battle Symphony that gives the event its name. This powerful piece of music was composed to celebrate the Duke of Wellington’s defeat of the French at the Battle of Vittoria in 1813.

It is very rarely performed as Beethoven intended, with 193 live firing cannons as part of the score, but Battle Proms guests are treated to the full effect of this thunderous percussion.

With host Pam Rhodes and soprano Denise Leigh performing the finale, audiences are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the alternative to the last night of the Proms.

The event, which is supporting the Combat Stress charity for veterans with psychological injuries, is coming to Ragley Hall on Saturday August 20. Tickets cost £32 in advance or £37 on the day, £15 for children aged five to 15 and free for under-fives. Call 01432 355 416 or go online.