MUSIC, lasers, fireworks and thousands of Union flags made for a memorable night as a stately home held its annual Proms event.

More than 5,000 people enjoyed picnics on the lawns at Castle Howard, near Malton, as they were entertained by Blake, Joanna Forest and the London Gala Orchestra.

The evening started in spectacularly patriotic style with an aerial display by a Second World War Hurricane accompanied by the rousing sounds of the RAF March Past, Dambusters theme and 633 Squadron, all performed by the musicians of the London Gala Orchestra.

Classical Brit Award-winners, Blake, took to the stage with classics including Nella Fantasia and Bring Him Home from Les Misérables, and were joined on stage by chart-topping soprano, Joanna Forest.

The evening drew to a crescendo with Proms favourites including flag-waving to Rule Britannia and Jerusalem, before the skies above erupted with a display of lasers and fireworks, choreographed in time to the music.

“It has been an absolutely stunning evening, and it was superb to have the Hurricane with us this year circling the estate and performing in the clear summer skies,” said marketing manager, Rachel Underwood.

“Blake and Joanna Forest both put on virtuoso performances, and the audience loved the new spectacular light show along with the fireworks as night fell over the Castle Howard estate.

“This was certainly a night to remember, and will be a hard one to beat next year.”