Review: Nostalgic family fun roused the crowds at Battle Proms

A sense of good old fashioned celebration came to Warwickshire when thousands stepped back in time for the Ragley Hall Battle Proms.

Complete with picnics, party hats and flags, the atmosphere was instantly electric as people got in the group spirit and joined in with the entertainment.

In spectacular efforts to mark the First World War centenary, the show had something different from the start.

An early Napoleonic cavalry slightly struggled to pull in attention from the hyped-up crowds, as many strained to see the action on a big screen. But it was, nonetheless, an impressive show as handlers showed off horseback battle technique.

And the crowds were soon right back on form with a lively and nostalgic wartime song revival by The Rockabellas. The party atmosphere only picked up as the night went on and the mesmerising spitfire show grabbed attention. Loop-the-looping and nose diving towards the grand arena, the display roused the expected gasps and applause.

But the real star of the evening was no doubt the spectacular music by the English Concert Orchestra. Rousing the crowds with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture - the mesmerising performances were complete with live cannon fire throughout.

And the signature piece of Beethoven’s Battle Symphony provided a rousing finale. Accompanied by fireworks and rounded off with a good old sing along, the electric atmosphere continued as families packed up and headed home.

Nostalgic, fun and thoroughly enjoyable throughout.

Hannah Smith