THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to the stunning grounds of Ragley Hall for a summer celebration of music at the annual Battle Proms Concert.

More than 7,000 people attended on Saturday, August 12, to soak up a two-hour orchestral concert from the 60-piece New English Concert Orchestra, led by Douglas Coombes MBE.

The Battle Proms have been staging their picnic concerts since 1997 and marked the milestone year with a breathtaking performance from the Red Devils parachute team.

Visitors were also treated to dramatic Spitfire, cannon, cavalry and firework displays, with the evening helping to raise £10,840 for regular charity partner, Combat Stress.

Emma Dexter, marketing manager for the Battle Proms, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who attended the first concert of our 20th anniversary season and gave so generously.

“We put the secret of our success down to our ability to find great partners to work with, be they venues, Spitfire pilots or picnic companies, and we nurture long term relationships with them.

“Rather than swap charities every year we have stuck with Combat Stress for many years. As a result their volunteers have formed a real rapport with our audience and we have seen audience donations rise year on year.

“We look forward to supporting their vital work for many years to come.”

The charity for veterans provides free specialist clinical treatment and support to former servicemen and women with mental health conditions.

Faye Waters, volunteer and community fundraising officer at Combat Stress, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who made a donation to Combat Stress and contributed to the total amount raised.

“It’s vital that we raise awareness and funds for the charity to ensure we can continue to support every veteran that comes to us for help.

“The Battle Proms season is a great opportunity for us to do that.

“Since 2004 the amazing generosity we have received from the Battle Prommers each year has helped us to support more veterans in rebuilding their lives, with the donations we received at the weekend we will continue to do this.”

More than £320,000 has been raised over the years from the concerts profits by organisers JSL Productions.