Few summer evenings capture the spirit and pageantry of Britain like the Battle Proms at Hatfield House. Set in the historic Queen Elizabeth Oak Field in Hatfield Park, where legend has it Queen Elizabeth I learned she was to become monarch, the 2026 concert marks a remarkable 25 years at this iconic venue. With its sweeping lawns and ancient oaks, it’s the perfect stage for a celebration of music, history and national pride.
This is no ordinary day trip – it’s a short holiday wrapped into one magical evening. Pennywood Tours handles the travel, tickets, and overnight stay so you can relax and enjoy the spectacle. While most concert‑goers bring their own chairs and picnics, our guests savour exclusive use of a fully furnished VIP Marquee with a private patio. You’ll be treated to an evening meal with complimentary drinks and attentive waitress service, plus a souvenir brochure and a flag to wave. After the fireworks fade, you’ll retire to a nearby four‑star hotel with swimming pool for bed and breakfast, making this ‘day trip’ into an indulgent little getaway.
The festivities begin when the gates open at 4.30 pm, with swing dancing and live jazz giving way to living‑history displays and a thrilling cavalry demonstration. Later, the world‑famous Red Devils parachute display team descends from the skies before the Battle Proms Belles treat the crowd to 1940s favourites. As dusk settles, the concert proper begins: a two‑hour programme performed by the New English Concert Orchestra, featuring classical favourites alongside film and television themes. Highlights include the rousing Evening Gun Salute and the unforgettable sound of a Spitfire’s Rolls‑Royce Merlin engine as it performs a carefully choreographed aerial display.
Not many spectacles rival the moment when more than 200 cannons fire in sync with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Beethoven’s rarely heard Battle Symphony. Musket fire, cavalry charges and fireworks add to the drama, culminating in a jubilant flag‑waving finale. Soprano Denise Leigh leads the crowd through Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory as more fireworks illuminate the night sky.
What makes Pennywood Tours’ package special is the ease and comfort it brings. There’s no need to lug picnic gear or pay extra for drinks – everything is taken care of in your VIP Marquee. It’s an utterly fantastic trip that we love to recommend because it combines luxury, heritage and pure fun. Places are limited – secure your spot today and come celebrate Britain with us at the Battle Proms at Hatfield House. Whether you’re a devoted Anglophile or simply looking for an unforgettable evening out, this tour promises memories that will last long after the final cannon booms.