THE Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's series of summer picnic concerts reaches a spectacular climax this weekend (August 15) with two major performances at Earl Mountabatten's one-time country seat at Broadlands near Romsey.

Tonight sees the BSO tuning up for a special Last Night of the Broadlands Proms complete with all the usual flag-waving favourites from Land of Hope and Glory to Jerusalem.

The second half of the concert will be packed with the best of British classics plus extracts from such crowd-pleasers as Swan Lake and Don Giovanni.

Tomorrow finds this world-class orchestra back at Broadlands with a team of West End stars presenting an outdoor concert version of the hit musical Les Miserables.

The show, which was a huge critical success earlier this month when it played Powderham Castle near Exeter, will include all the power and passion of the BSO alongside the production values of the professional theatre.

The shows mark the end of a sensational series of concerts which have seen the orchestra travelling across southern England playing, come rain or shine, in a series of remarkable locations.

West End soloists include Nicholas Pound, James Barron, Rebecca Thornhill and Laura Michell Kelly. Also taking part will be local performers like 13-year-old Joshua Haberfield.

Joshua, from Sopley, is a member of the New Forest Players and will be reprising the role of Gavroche which he played to critical acclaim with the BSO at the Bournemouth International Centre two years ago.

Since their opening show at Exbury Gardens on July 3, the BSO have played 11 open air concerts at sites that have included stately homes, castles and even Queen Victoria's favourite south coast residence, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

Then, last weekend, the orchestra delighted music lovers with two sensational shows at Bournemouth's Meyrick Park including a stunning performance of Holst's epic Planets Suite complete with jaw-on-the-floor laser, fountain and firework displays.

Once again, this weekend's shows at Broadlands offer ample opportunity for concert-goers to enjoy a picnic before the show with the gates opening well in advance of the performance.

Tickets are available by calling 01202 669925 or 023 8071 1818.