A concert of rousing tunes, culminating in a finale of musical pyrotechnics, is being held in Woodstock on Friday (August 27).

The Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra is appearing at Blenheim Palace to give a concert of classic proms as part of a national tour.

The concert will feature half-Cypriot Yorkshire singer Annette Wardell, known as the 'dinky diva'. At 5ft tall, she is thought to be the UK's smallest operatic soprano.

She said: "It's become a trademark because I don't look like a typical opera singer.

"I have a big voice, though. I don't know where it comes from but it gets stratospherically high - which is quite useful for Proms arias. I get to show off quite a bit."

Ms Wardell will join more than 60 musicians for the four-hour concert's finale which will also feature fireworks, lighting effects and flame-throwers all choreographed to the music.

"The music alone would be thrilling enough, but to play it to soaring 40ft flames and a stunning firework display generally sends people home with their mouths open," said conductor Roderick Dunk.

The special effects will be synchronised to a traditional programme of proms favourites, including Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.

Also taking to the stage in the first half is acclaimed jazz singer Lee Gibson.

Blenheim Palace, which is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year, has already staged a number of special commemorative events as well as major shows, including the CLA Game Fair which attracted a record 137,500 countryside enthusiasts, and the annual Blenheim Palace flower show. Other events coming up include the Blenheim Petplan International Horse Trials from September 9-12, and the Great British Cheese Festival from September 24-26.

To help mark its anniversary year, the palace is staying open to the public longer this season and will not close until December 12.