July’s ‘Open to the Skies’ concert is promising an evening of celebration and rousing military music for all the family.

This new event at Wiltshire’s Bowood House & Gardens is set to raise funds for a number of RAF, Army and Wiltshire charities.

Concert goers of all ages will be welcomed as the gates open at 4.30pm on Sunday, July 24 to set the scene, within Bowood House & Gardens’ ‘Capability’ Brown parkland, for picnicking and pre-concert entertainment starting around 6.15pm.

A military Pipes and Drums band will then strike up, followed by the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums made up of 16-18 year-olds.

The Royal Air Force’s six-man Falcons parachute display team (also known as the ‘Big Six’) from No 1 Parachute Training School, is also going to be performing ahead of the main concert itself beginning at around 7.15pm, to add to the excitement.

Wiltshire Times:

Just before sunset, the Central Band of the Royal Air Force will be taking to the stage, and a dramatic Sputfire, Hurricane, Lancaster and Dakota formation will fly past as it does so; emerging from three directions.

The band itself has played a vital part in state ceremonial events and military tattoos since its establishment in 1920, making it all-the-more special.

Colin Cheshire who co-organised the concert with volunteer Des Morgan said: “This first-time event looks set to be tremendously appealing for those living in and near to Wiltshire who are so proud and supportive of our armed services and the region’s military heritage.

“Our ‘Open to the Skies’ patrons are drawn from RAF and army top brass and we are also delighted that Bowood’s Marchioness of Lansdowne and Wiltshire’s Lord Lieutenant Sarah Troughton have kindly agreed to be patrons too.”