Each month, Military History Monthly’s ‘On Manoeuvres’ section brings you details of Britain’s finest history-themed activities, from lecture days and air shows, to militaria fairs and re-enactments. With Autumn soon upon us, we take this opportunity to draw particular attention to six of the best indoor and outdoor events taking place over the coming months.
British Military Tournament
Back for a fourth year, the unforgettable and breathtaking British Military Tournament returns to Earls Court from 7th – 8th December. This year’s British Military Tournament celebrates ‘British Legends’ in a new and exciting show, which is set to have you perched on the edge of your seat. Commentated by leading British actor, Anthony Andrews, alongside novelist and former SAS operative Andy McNab, this year’s Tournament will present dramatic re-enactments, nail biting high speed chases, daring stunts, and for the first time ever, audiences will get a glimpse into the battlefields of the future using state of the art technology.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2013 SHOW INCLUDE:
• The capture of an Enigma machine from a German U Boat
• A motorised tribute to the heroes of the Battle of the Falklands
• A battle re-enactment during the Arab revolt of 1916-17 led by Lawrence of Arabia
• The breathtaking Musical Drive performed by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery
• The legendary Command Field Gun Competition with teams from Powerful and Terrible
• State-of-the-art technology and effects in a Battlefield of the Future
Over the last three years, the British Military Tournament has raised in excess of £450,000 for the three individual service charities of Britain’s armed forces. Buy your tickets here and contribute towards supporting every generation of our military family, or visit our website www.britishmilitarytournament.
WHEN: 7-8 December
WHERE: Earls Court, Warwick Road, London, SW5 9TA
HOW MUCH: For information on prices, please visit the website.
WEB: www.britishmilitarytournament.com
Dig in and dig deep with The Soldiers’ Charity Big Curry
Everyone loves a good curry, and the bigger the better! So a ‘Big Curry’ is a great way to have fun with family and friends while raising vital funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
We have been helping support soldiers, former soldiers, and their families since 1944. This October you can help to by raising money with your very own Big Curry.
Eat In: Hold a curry night at home – either home-cooked or take-away – and ask your guests to ‘pay’ in donations.
Eat Out: Visit your local pub or curry house with friends or family and match the price of the meal in donations.
You will find lots of fundraising ideas, resources, and recipes on our website. How you host your Big Curry is up to you, but whatever you do, please do something, because our soldiers need us just as much as we need them.
WHEN: Throughout the month of October
WHERE: In your home, your office, your local pub, or wherever you like!
HOW MUCH: Raise money by selling tickets, or holding a raffle or sponsored chilli challenge.
WEB: www.bigcurry.org or phone 020 78113960
Birmingham Tattoo
Britain’s biggest indoor military tattoo, with over 1,200 performers, will celebrate its silver anniversary this year by bringing together marching bands, gymnasts, dog display teams, field guns, and many other performers to the NIA in Birmingham.
For this year’s special event, the organisers have brought together military bands from Norway, Belgium, Slovenia, and our own forces including the Royal Air Force. Representing Norway will be the world famous Band and Drill Contingent of the King’s Guard. Joining them will be the Royal Band of the Belgian Navy and the Slovenian Services Band. The RAF Band will demonstrate their musical skills in this special year which also marks the 70th Anniversary of the RAF Association. Representing the youth of the UK will be the Air Training Corps National Band and the National Youth Marching Band.
Complementing the music of the massed bands will be the thrills of the exciting displays including the much-celebrated Inter-Service Field Gun Competition.
The Tattoo will culminate in a spectacular grand finale featuring all performers in a spectacle of light and sound. They will be joined by the British Tenor Tim Pitman and the UK’s new singing sensation Rebecca Robinson in the special 25th
anniversary finale. The event would not be complete without the ever-popular and spectacular closing ceremony which will feature the Royal Air Force Cosford Queen’s Colour and Escort playing the traditional Land of Hope and Glory, the Evening Hymn, the Lone Piper and some special surprises.
WHEN: Saturday 30 November at 6pm and Sunday 1 December at 2pm
WHERE: The NIA, Birmingham.
HOW MUCH: Between £14.50 and £25.00 plus admin and fulfilment fee and are available online at www.theticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 338 8000.
Reduced prices are available for children, senior citizens, and groups of 10 plus.
WEB: www.birminghamtattoo.co.uk
PHONE: 0844-338-8000 (box office)
International Living History Fair
The International Living History Fair exists to provide a market place, a meeting place, and a fabulous opportunity for all – visitors and reenactors alike – to meet and discuss all periods of our historical past. Many of Europe’s best artisans, craftsmen, and traders are on hand happy to advise on and provide a huge array of items and replicas of our historical heritage.
Staged twice a year in February and October, the International Living History Fair has become the primary multi-period market place for re-enactors, historical interpreters, and history enthusiasts across Europe. With over 100 traders exhibiting their wares, you can buy almost any replica artifact you can think of, or kit your self out with historically accurate clothing from most time periods.
New premises at our event site will bring a new dimension to this year’s show, and we hope to run a number of lectures, seminars, and public interactive experiences, including ‘have-a-go’ medieval archery.
WHEN: Friday 25 October (12pm- 6pm), Saturday 26 (10am-5pm), and Sunday 27 (10am -4pm)
WHERE: Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire.
HOW MUCH: £4:50 Adult, Child under 16 £1:50 – Group rates for 12 [email protected]
WEB: www.pikeandshot.com/ilhf_traders.html or email [email protected]
Seafarers UK
Supporting seafarers in need, their families and dependants
Seafarers UK is the leading charity for seafarers in need, helping serving and ex-seafarers from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Merchant Navy, and Fishing Fleets when they most require support, including their families and dependants.
Last year grants, totalling £2.5 million, were paid by Seafarers UK to more than 70 maritime welfare charities and other organisations. Receiving no Government support, Seafarers UK relies on donations, gifts in wills, and income from fundraising events.
The charity also raises funds by presenting an annual series of Royal Marines Band concerts around the UK. The popularity and following of the Royal Marines Band Service remains as strong as ever and Seafarers UK is very privileged to present audiences with such consistently wonderful entertainment.
WHEN: Events on from September through till December
WHERE: Dunfermline Carnegie Hall, Perth Concert Hall, Guildford GLive, Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall, Isle of Wight Medina Theatre, Truro Hall for Cornwall, Edinburgh Usher Hall, Barnstaple Queen’s Theatre, Carlisle Sands Centre, Bristol Colston Hall, Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall, Worthing Assembly Hall, Southampton Guildhall.
HOW MUCH: Please contact venues direct for further details
WEB: www.seafarers-uk.org
PHONE: 020 7932 0000
Brooklands Museum Military Vehicle Day
Over 80 vehicles, spanning the decades and representing the field of conflict from around the world, are expected for our annual Military Vehicle Day. As well as the spectacular displays in the Paddock and around the site, there will be the chance to see some of these machines put through their paces as they tackle the off-road circuit at Mercedes-Benz World at 12:30pm. Many of the Military vehicles will also be tackling the test hill later in the afternoon (weather permitting). All military vehicles and military re-enactors are welcome to park up on the museum site. For up to date information please visit our website: www.brooklandsmuseum.com
WHEN: 17 November 10am-4pm
WHERE: Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge, KT13 0QN
HOW MUCH: Adults £10, Senior/Student £9, Children(5-16) £5.50, under 5 free, Family(2 Adults & 3 Children) £27
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 0193 857381
To view the events guide as it appeared in issue 37 of Military History Monthly, click here.