On two successive evenings each year in June a magnificent pageant of military music, precision drill and colour takes place on Horse Guards Parade in the heart of London when the Massed Bands of the Household Division carry out the Ceremony of Beating Retreat.It is an unforgettable evening as 300 musicians, drummers and pipers perform this age-old ceremony. The Retreat has origins in the early days of chivalry when beating or sounding retreat pulled a halt to the days fighting, a return to camp and the mounting of the guard for the night.
The salute is taken by Her Majesty The Queen or another member of The Royal Family.
The participants of Household Division Beating Retreat are drawn from the bands of the two Household Cavalry Regiments and the five Foot Guards Regiments which make up the Household Division.
The Massed Bands of The Royal Marines have also been Beating Retreat on Horse Guards Parade approximately every three years since 1960 to celebrate the birthday of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Captain General Royal Marines.
The Household Division Beating Retreat will take place on Wednesday 8th June and Thursday 9th June 2011 at 9pm on Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, London.The ticket office is now open at www.guardsbeatingretreat.com or phone 0844 847 2435
Book your London Hotel for the event at The Palm Hotel
No comments:
Post a Comment