THE hugely popular Battle Proms open-air picnic concert makes its fifth-annual appearance in the grounds of Ragley Hall next month.

This year’s event, set for Saturday,August 15, will mark the 70th anniversary of V-J Day when the Second World War finally ended after Japan's surrender, and there will be choreographed Spitfire and cavalry displays, dramatic cannon fire and a stunning firework finale overlooking the lake.

The event will also remember 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo when Napoleon’s rule as Emperor of the French was ended and 75th years since the Battle of Britain.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see a piece of history in action, as a Battle of Britain Evening Gun Salute, honouring the pivotal air campaign and end of the war itself, will take place and the gunners will signal the arrival of the Grace Spitfire with a volley of shots from a vintage 13 pounder field gun.

Beethoven’s Battle Symphony will be performed with the full complement of 193 live firing cannon providing a thunderous percussion.

Conducted by Douglas Coombes and performed by the New English Concert Orchestra, the programme also include classics from Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture to a finale packed with favourites such as Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.

Accompanying the orchestra will be soprano Denise Leigh.

Television and radio presenter, Pam Rhodes, will host the event and the Rockabellas will warm up the audience with an upbeat performance of unrivalled vintage vocals.

Andrew Mason, operations manager at Ragley, said: “Ragley is delighted to host yet another popular and nostalgic Battle Proms concert.

“With our lakeside setting, Ragley has a stunning, breath-taking location. The orchestral music, cavalry displays and cannon fire come together to create a truly unique event culminating in an amazing fireworks display”.

Gates open at 4.00pm, with entertainment from 5.50pm and the event finishes at 10.00pm.

Adult tickets cost £36 in advance or £40 on the day of concert (subject to availability).

Tickets for 5 to 15 year olds cost £17 and under 4s go free. Advance group bookings of 10 or more qualify for a £2 reduction per ticket.

To book visit www.battleproms.com or call 01432 355 416 or for further information on Ragley visit www.ragley.co.uk.