MOST people’s idea of a Sunday afternoon party in the garden would involve a barbecue, a game of swingball and music from a couple of speakers on an extension lead.

But that was not for Charles Burnett III.

Instead, the American millionaire indulged in the ultimate extravagance – he hired the Red Arrows.

The display was part of lavish celebrations to mark the success of Mr Burnett’s steam-powered car which last month smashed the land speed record.

Mr Burnett booked his place in the record books when he drove the revolutionary car at nearly 140mph at Edward’s Air Force Base in California.

The team smashed the 103-year-old record set by American Fred Marriott, driving a Stanley steamer at Daytona Beach.

Hundreds of people – including Mr Burnett’s uncle and aunt Lord and Lady Montagu – gathered in the grounds of his estate at Portmore, near Lymington, yesterday afternoon for the bash.

After walking through the seemingly endless apple and pear orchards, guests were welcomed by a bagpiper perched atop the palatial mansion house.

At 4.30pm, heads were turned to the sky as the nine Red Arrows jets looped and turned, trademark red, white and blue smoke trailing from each plane.

Celebrations continued long into the night with three bands, including a Johnny Cash tribute act, keeping partygoers entertained.

Mr Burnett said: “It is the 65th anniversary of Lymington airfield and we’ve been trying for about nine months to get the Red Arrows to come and do a display here in honour of the airmen who flew in the Second World War.

“At the same time we have been out in California trying to break the land speed record for steam vehicles.

“This party is a dual event honouring the people who kept this country free and the people who helped us break a world record that had stood for 103 years.”

Military enthusiast Mr Burnett’s partying last hit the headlines in 2007 when he celebrated his 51st birthday with mock gunfire, fake explosions and battle re-enactments.

The party sparked outrage with neighbours and local councillors who complained about the noise.

Yesterday’s party also finished with a bang – but it wasn’t gunfire, it was a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the night sky.

Mr Burnett also announced at the party that he would be donating £60,000 to Help for Heroes and the Poppy Appeal.