With over 173,000 visitors over the four days, more than 600 carefully selected exhibitors, an average of 80 of the world’s top competitors and a prize fund of over £300,000, 21st century Burghley Horse Trials is a far cry from the inaugural event, which took place 60 years ago with just 19 competitors and in front of a mere 12,000 people.

Following members requests we are returning to Burghley House, this time with more emphasis on the artwork and a guided tour of the garden. In July we are hoping for good weather as the gardens will be at their best. If you would like to see pictures of our previous sold-out tour please take a look at our website galleryhttps://essexwi.org.uk/wi-gallery/ and scroll down to March 2023. You will receive a tea/coffee on arrival and then split into smaller groups for house and garden tours. You can bring your own packed lunch or buy lunch (card only) from various eateries on site. The coach will leave WI Centre at 8am sharp and return around 6pm depending on traffic.

A summer spectacular with Spitfire, cannons, cavalry, parachutes and fireworks! Pack your picnics, chill the fizz and gather friends and family for the ultimate summer spectacular. Enjoy a celebration of iconic music with favourites from film, TV and the musicals alongside the classics you know and love, with dazzling fireworks and breathtaking displays. As well as an uplifting orchestral programme perfect for a summer evening, this fabulous proms in the park also includes the Battle Proms Belles who will get toes tapping with their gorgeous vintage harmonies and live band, thrilling historic mounted cavalry displays, a choreographed aerial display from the legendary Grace Spitfire, The British Army's world-famous Red Devils parachute display team, 200 live firing cannons and, of course, spectacular musical fireworks. As the evening draws in the excitement builds with Tchaikovsky's celebrated 1812 Overture and the Battle Proms signature piece, Beethoven's 'Battle Symphony'. This is the only place in the world that you can experience this piece performed as Beethoven composed it, with 193 live firing cannons providing a ground-shaking percussion! An evening you won't forget, the Battle Proms culminates in a jubilant flag-waving sing-along finale, as Britain's Got Talent superstar soprano Denise Leigh brings the crowd to their feet with Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and more, while magnificent musical firework displays light up the sky. Whether you're planning a romantic evening as a couple, a group celebration, or want to enjoy an informal concert as a family then this is the event you've been looking for!