British Flair with Country Fair at Gut Basthorst

Gut Basthorst — An Estate for Major Events

Gut Basthorst is located in the municipality of Basthorst in the district of Herzogtum Lauenburg, in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, approx. 30 km east of Hamburg, in the hilly terminal moraine landscape on the Elbe river. The estate has been established for major events for years — the annual British Flair is one of the highlights of the season.

The British Flair Concept

Three days dedicated to British lifestyle: English furniture, outdoor fashion, vintage cars and British classics, single malt whiskies and British delicacies, garden and home decoration. Exhibitors from Germany and Great Britain bring their stalls to the estate grounds. In between, performances: bagpipe music, Highland Games with competitions, Jack Russell Terrier races, Scottish and Irish dance performances, wellie throwing. The MacHarbard Clan camp (a living history troupe) and appearances by the character Paddington Bear are also part of the family component.

The Open Air Proms Concert

The highlight on Saturday evening (7:30 PM) is the 'British Flair Open Air Proms Concert' — in the style of the famous Last Night of the Proms at London's Royal Albert Hall, but outdoors at the estate. The Hamburg Festival Orchestra plays under the direction of Russell N. Harris; soloists for 2026 are Richard Morrison (baritone) and Ian Mardon (violin). The audience brings picnic blankets and enjoys the concert under the open sky — just as British as the Last Night in Hyde Park.

Equestrian Day on Sunday

On Sunday, the program focuses on horses and ponies in cooperation with Tewdwr Pony Stud, with demonstrations, show classes, and specialized programming — a complete day of equestrian activities embedded within the lifestyle festival.