THIS year’s Castle Howard Proms Spectacular on Saturday, August 22, will pay a fitting tribute to war veterans as an iconic Spitfire MK XI will take to the skies to perform a dramatic aerial ballet.

The Second World War Spitfire will entertain crowds while the UK Philharmonic Orchestra play some of their most rousing themes, including Goodwin’s Battle of Britain, the Spitfire Prelude and Novello’s We’ll Gather Lilacs.

To honour both past and current British servicemen and women, Castle Howard Proms Spectacular is offering all military personnel free tickets to the concert.

To claim your tickets, visit ticketsfortroops.org.uk/home.aspx or alternatively present your MO90 card on the gates of the concert.

Pilot Peter Teichman, who will be taking to the skies over Castle Howard, said: "This year’s marks a milestone in British history as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and 70 years since VE Day. The Spitfire you will see displayed at Castle Howard is the survivor of 45 missions over war torn Europe in 1944 and 1945 with RAF 16 squadron. It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to fly over such a stunning venue as Castle Howard and honour those veterans who fought for us in the war."

Katie Collin, events manager at Castle Howard, said: “We are delighted to offer complimentary tickets to current British servicemen and women and welcome to them to our special 25th anniversary of Castle Howard Summer Sounds. For anyone who hasn’t experienced Castle Howard’s Summer Sounds I would urge you to gather your friends and family, plan your picnics and wine and get ready for a really magical evening.”

The Proms Spectacular is one of two shows at Castle Howard, with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues orchestra performing the night before on Friday, August 21. Both concerts will feature fireworks finales and are part of the Summer Sounds series which this year are celebrating 25 years of concerts at Castle Howard.