Castle Howard Proms: 15 photos plus video of spectacular firework finale

BUNTING, bubbly and flashing bowler hats were out in force at the Castle Howard Proms Spectacular silver anniversary concert.

Despite a thundery forecast, the lawned arena, set against the stunning backdrop of the stately home and overlooking the Great Lake and Howardian Hills, was awash with people and picnics.

Among the first to arrive on Saturday were Proms regulars Colin and Cathy Watson, of Hambleton near Selby, who pitched up at the front.

>>> FULL GALLERY: 15 photos

"We got here at 3.30pm. We were third at the gate," said Cathy who was wearing co-ordinated Union Flag leggings, T-shirt, hat and sunglasses. "I love the atmosphere. It's very British, and of course, Jae Alexander is great."

The sea of spectators also included Trevor Stewart, from Whitby, celebrating his 80th birthday, and 27 members of the Sowood WI from near Halifax who had brought a feast of gourmet fare and ornate candelabra. Beverley's Paul Ratcliffe, wearing black tie and Bermuda shorts, was also dining out in style with friends.

REVIEW: Jools Holland at Castle Howard on Friday

Gary Williams warmed up the audience with a Rat Pack-inspired repertoire while 12-year-old Niamh Robinson-Wakefield, from St Aidan's CE School, Harrogate, who had won the Castle Howard Summer Sounds schools competition, attracted calls for an encore with her performance of Pie Jesu.

As if on cue, the sky rumbled and the heavens opened just as the very entertaining conductor Jae Alexander stepped out to start the main event.

But the crowd would not be beaten, umbrellas went up, and the show went on, lit up dramatically by occasional streaks of lightning.

>>> FULL GALLERY: 15 photos

This year the concert was celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking 70 years since VE Day and paying tribute, Proms style, to the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The show featured popular classics, film themes and flag-waving favourites, with rousing performances from the UK Philharmonic Orchestra.

Leading the singing was York-based chart-topping soprano Rebecca Newman alongside tenor John Pierce, who won Cardiff Young Singer of the World in 2011, and won over the Proms audience with his performance of Nessun Dorma.

The second half opened with the Star Wars theme tune and ended with crowd-pleasers including The Sailor's Hornpipe, Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory, and Jerusalem before a dramatic fireworks finale.