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BACK WITH A BANG Why Burghley
The Battle Proms at Burghley BACK WITH A BANG
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With a rumble of the cannon, the roar of the Spitfire and a defiant ‘huzzah!’ as the cavalry charges, with swords drawn and with England’s finest Georgian town in the background, we are once again invited to enjoy a hearty banquet of classical music and al fresco fun this month, with the much-awaited return of the Battle Proms annual picnic concert at Burghley House...
THE BATTLE PROMS are back and whilst caution – not complacency – remains the order of the day, and though we’re still not ‘out of the woods,’ we can at least be ‘in the parkland.’
And in the parkland (at least the parkland of Burghley House) is a great place to be this month, with the return of JSL Productions’ Battle Proms event, one of five events taking place at illustrious country piles like Highclere and Hatfield, Ragley Hall, Blenheim and of course, Burghley House, too.
And thanks to the Battle Proms team’s careful planning for safe and spacious concerts music lovers and picnic fans are packing up the hampers ‘n’ champers and preparing for the summer celebration we’ve all been waiting for.
For the uninitiated, the events are each centred around an al fresco classical music concert. Patrons are invited to bring along a picnic and a few bottles of fizz, then get to the event (and into the spirit) at around half three when the gates open.
From 6.15pm you’ll be able to enjoy a Napoleonic Cavalry Display with skill at arms performed in full regalia. A little later on, the British Army’s parachute regiment –the Red Devils – ‘drop in’ and at 7pm, prior to the musical programme, there’s vintage vocals from the ‘Battle Proms Belles.’
“Since 2005 the annual Burghley House Battle Proms Concert has taken place in a stunning parkland setting overlooking the grand Elizabethan architecture of this popular Stamford landmark,” says the Battle Proms’ Event Director Adam Slough.
“A real highlight of the social calendar, The Battle Proms should have celebrated their 16th summer at Burghley last year so fans of the event will be delighted to hear that the Burghley House Battle Proms will be returning this summer, on 10th July.”
“We missed our wonderful audiences and the team at Burghley last year so we’re very excited to return! We know everyone wants to celebrate with family and friends this summer more than ever, and a Battle Proms concert is the perfect opportunity to gather friends and family to enjoy a quintessentially British ‘Party in the Park.’”
“Regular Battle Prommers will know that our unique picnic concerts offer a spectacular and memorable night out, but they will probably be wondering if things might look a little different this year.” >>
Above: The Grace Spitfire and cavalry displays. Capacity has been reduced from its usual 8,000 to 4,000 in order to facilitate social distancing so early booking is highly recommended. >> “While we were encouraged by the move into step three of the government ‘roadmap’ on 17th May, we know that things can change and the safety of our audience, staff and volunteers are our top priority.” “Our team has been working hard behind the scenes and are ready with a set of Covid-19 safety measures to ensure that our audience can celebrate in confidence with us this summer. We’re lucky that our beautiful and spacious open-air setting means that we can plan for a safe, socially distanced concert without compromising the Battle Proms magic that our audience know and love.” “We are currently planning to have just 4,000 visitors this year (we usually attract in the region of 8,000) as well as increasing our auditorium size to allow for comfortable social distancing. Among other changes, we are opening our gates earlier to allow for smooth, socially distanced concert entry, and we will be providing hand sanitising stations, spacing out all facilities and we’ll provide stewarded seating to ensure your party is comfortably distanced from other members of the Battle Proms audience.”
“We have even created a system to reduce queues by allowing our audience to pre-order their programmes and flags, which any loyal Battle Prommer will tell you are essential kit for a night at the event!” “We do anticipate that our arrangements will need to adapt as the concert date approaches, but we want to assure all our loyal followers and anyone considering joining us this summer that The Battle Proms will still be taking place at Burghley House and it will be an incredible, memorable and safe way to celebrate with family and loved ones this summer.” The Battle Proms features a full orchestral performance by the New English Concert Orchestra. While the orchestra will be slightly smaller this year to allow for social distancing on stage, they have lined up yet another programme of soul-stirring classical favourites, including the 1812 Overture and Beethoven’s Battle Symphony, performed with the full complement of 193 live firing Napoleonic cannon – a Battle Proms speciality!
An annual highlight for many Battle Prommers, the iconic Grace Spitfire will once again perform a choreographed aerial display to the opening pieces of the orchestral performance, including Elgar’s moving Nimrod. In recent years the Battle Proms audience has also been treated to toe-tapping vintage vocals featuring the talents of Lizzie Deane, who last year formed ‘The Battle Prom Belles,’ an Andrews Sisters-style act which will finally get to perform their set of sing-a-long favourites. Popular BBC Presenter Pam Rhodes has been The Battle Proms’ Compère for several years, and is now almost as famous for her sparkly stage jackets as her TV presenting roles! “There’s a family-feel to The Battle Proms and that’s not just amongst the crew and cast behind the scenes, but every single one of the Battle Prommers who come along year after year,” says Pam.
“The impact of Covid hit everyone in different ways, but not to be able to meet up and share the spectacular, joyful, musical, magical Battle Proms concerts last year was a real disappointment for us all.”
“But we’re back, delighted to re-join our Battle Proms friends to munch picnics, shed a tear at the dancing Spitfire, cheer the guns, sing along with the melodies and have a fantastic time together!” “We are delighted to welcome back the Battle Proms Picnic Concert this summer,” Burghley House’s Director of Commercial Visitor Operations, Philip Gompertz, says. “Last year, the park felt empty without being able to host our usual schedule of events and we are very much looking forward to the return of the Battle Proms to kick start the celebrations with music, fireworks, Spitfire, canons and cavalry!” n The Battle Proms at Burghley House will take place on 10th July 2021, gates 3.30pm. The usual capacity of 8,000 has been halved to facilitate social distancing, so early booking is recommended. Tickets £48, see www.battleproms.com or call 01432 355 416 for enquiries.
GET AWAY inGET AWAY in LUXURY LUXURY
A luxury short break or seven-day getaway, with no airports, no hassle and just a couple of hours of travelling! Enjoy laid back luxury in North Norfolk with Barefoot Retreats’ portfolio of beautiful holiday retreats. Zoe Fuller introduces her pick of the properties...
Above: An enclosed garden and terrace with bi-fold doors to the living area provide plenty of space for al fresco entertaining during your short break or seven night stay.
Left: Turandot has a lovely open-plan living area with a well-equipped kitchen and troughs of fresh herbs.
1. Turandot, Titchwell
A modern property ideal for keen birdwatchers
Puccini’s Turandot may be known for its soaring arias – not least Nessun Dorma – but the vibe at Titchwell’s Turandot is altogether more relaxed. The modern property has four bedrooms and a comfortable, light and spacious open-plan living area. Sleeping up to eight people, it’s ideal for family get-togethers, but also for keen birdwatchers, given the property’s proximity to the area’s RSPB reserve.
Highlights of the property include an enclosed garden, parking for four cars, smart TVs and an Xbox games console, plus a wood-burning stove. Keen cooks will appreciate the Mieleequipped kitchen and the herb troughs enabling you to snip fresh some fresh herbs to enjoy with supper. n Turandot is available for seven night stays £2,050, and for short breaks at £1,640. The property sleeps eight and dogs are welcome.
2. Enjoy the company with family and friends in a Grade II converted watermill
The Watermill in Burnham Market sleeps 10 people - so there’s plenty of room for friends and family, plus wonderful period style
A stunning property, this former watermill was constructed in 1737 and is located on the River Burn. Grade II listed and renovated following a conversion into a family home in 2001, it now has six en suite bedrooms, arranged over four floors, with lots of exposed mechanical parts from the mill machinery on show plus chunky beams, timbers and flagstones inside. It’s located adjacent to the millpond and the former boathouse on the side of the property now serves as a private dining room. “The Watermill offers real character, and a completely unique experience for its guests. Groups of friends and families will be equally overjoyed with a stay here and it will certainly be holiday to remember!” says Zoe Fuller of Barefoot Retreats. n The Watermill at Burnham Market is available for seven nights for £4,100, sleeps 10 with dogs welcome.
3. All aboard, for a stay in this quirky carriage...
A restored railway carriage last used in 1952, now available at The Railway, Burnham Market
If you’re after character, you’re on the right track with The Carriage, an annexe next to The Railway, one of Barefoot Retreats’ newest properties.
“Departing for its final journey in 1952, the carriage has since been restored to its former glory and was converted in 2021,” says Zoe.
“It has received the care and attention it deserves including complete renovation and decoration of the external woodwork, treatment and decoration to all the furniture, fittings and also the wooden flooring.” “The carriage has a double bedroom and has been thoughtfully styled to maintain its character and charm.” “At the front of the carriage, you will find the large walk-in rainfall shower, complete with a deep copper sink and copper fittings... we even managed to restore the original sink as it was to beautiful to not use!” Creature comforts include a coffee machine, and a landscaped garden with hot tub. n The Carriage at The Railway is based at Burnham Market, seven nights £1,505; short breaks £860. Sleeps two, dogs welcome.
4. Reunite with family or friends at Hope House
A beautifully restored Grade II listed former school, Hope House can accommodate 16 guests
After a long-awaited transformation, Hope House in Snettisham is now available for visitors hoping to gather among friends and family for a reunion in North Norfolk. With eight bedrooms – three super king, three king and one twin – there’s plenty of room, and there’s a games and cinema room too. “Hope House is a 19th century former boarding school. It’s been the subject of a beautiful restoration, and is centrally located in the village of Snettisham,” says Zoe. “You’re within walking distance of two renowned eateries; The Old Bank which is a Michelin star bistro, and also The Rose and Crown which is an award-winning gastro pub!” “The village of Snettisham is situated on the North Norfolk coast, just a few miles from the royal residence at Sandringham and boasts a superb RSPB reserve and Snettisham Park Farm, a working farm offering fantastic family days out.” n Hope House is located in Snettisham and sleeps 16. Dogs are welcome and both seven night stays (£4,300), and short breaks (£3,440) are available.
5. Kempstone Manor
Luxury farm stay for up to 15... with a pool too!
Space to relax and reunite! Kempstone Manor Farm is based at Litcham, set centrally in grounds of 40 acres, surrounded by 800 acres of farmland. The farmhouse is a particularly attractive Georgian property dating from 1794 with later alterations and additions.
The main house can accommodate up to 15 people thanks to its seven bedrooms, and there’s a separate two-bedroom cottage as well. There’s an indoor swimming pool complex, steam room, gym, tennis court and croquet lawn, plus beautiful views with formal gardens, and an orchard. The property’s games room/den is perfect for children and teenagers with multicolour disco lighting, table football, pool table, and a Yamaha drum kit! n Kempstone Manor Farm is available for seven nights, prices £13,000. Dogs welcome.
Above: Kempstone Manor Farm offers luxury accommodation with a swimming pool complex, sauna, and gym. The property is set within grounds of 40 acres.
6. Page Cottage
A beautiful cottage for four in Docking
Beautifully renovated and sympathetically modernised, Page Cottage is ideal for a family of four, or a ‘couple of couples,’ providing two double bedrooms and an enclosed garden. There’s an open plan living space, a stylish kitchen plus a cosy sitting room with wood burning fire. Docking is centrally located in North Norfolk, and allows for easy access to the coast and surrounding villages such as Sedgeford, Hunstanton, Thornham. From Page Cottage, you’ll be able to enjoy easy access to many stunning beaches, wide open spaces, spectacular coastal walks, an abundance of wildlife, award-winning restaurants and plenty of unique, independent shops to discover. n Page Cottage is located in Docking and sleeps four. It’s available for seven nights £771 and for short breaks £620. One dog welcome.
