WHILE an indoor theatre group is facing ruin, outdoor entertainment is blossoming.

Castle Howard's proms, complete with a spectacular fireworks display everyone can see, have long been a highlight of the North Yorkshire summer season.

Dalby Forest has also been turned into a stage. Popular group UB40 are the latest to sign up to a woodland concert. Best check the long range weather forecast, then. These events are only truly memorable if it is bucketing down. The sight of people picnicking in cagoules is an icon of Britishness which Chancellor Gordon Brown would salute.

Updated: 10:15 Tuesday, January 17, 2006