Somerset Military Tattoo
10 September 2013, 13:52 | Updated: 11 September 2013, 13:24
Up to 10,000 visitors are expected at the first ever Somerset Military Tattoo at Taunton Racecourse on Saturday 14th September.
The inaugural running of the ambitious charity event is being staged by the Somerset branch of ABF The Soldiers' Charity in association with Taunton based Royal Marine charity Go Commando.
The event has attracted sponsorship from leading commercial names in the region. Pardoes Solicitors, Agusta Westland, MercedesBenz South West , Higher Sites Web Design, One Step Recruitment and Somerset Life are all backing the event which takes place by kind permission and support of the management at Taunton Racecourse.
The idea for the Tattoo came to fruition following the success of the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebration held by ABF The Soldiers' Charity in Vivary Park, Taunton in the summer of 2013. Expectations for a repeat event were running high, so it was decided that bringing together of a collection of bands, displays and attractions with a wider military theme that could be enjoyed by all as a great 'Family Day Out' would be fitting.
A full musical programme is planned including The Pipes and Drums of the Wessex Highlanders, Somerset Army Cadet Force Silver Bugles, the Royal Air Force Association Band, and feature musical attraction, The Military Wives Choir from RM Chivenor, one of the original choirs brought together by choirmaster Gareth Malone and featured in the hit TV series 'The Choir'.
A varied and interesting array of attractions will be on offer including a display by Avon and Somerset Constabulary Mounted Division and Dog Display Team, Somerset Sea and Royal Marine Cadets 'Field Gun Competition', a Falconry Display with a difference and a 'Trebuchet' and Medieval Weaponry demonstration together with a Living Historical Camp by The Medieval Siege Society.
A Trebuchet is a medieval war engine capable of hurling 100kg stone balls at enemy castle walls to smash them down and gain entry. They were also used to throw bodies of dead men and animals into besieged villages and fortresses to spread disease, or send back unfortunate messengers who had been captured. The portable Trebuchet coming to the Tattoo is the only working replica in the UK today.
Bringing us closer to current times, soldiers from The British Army - 6th Battalion The Rifles, will create a Field Camp, with demonstrations of decommissioned weapons and equipment that our current Armed Forces use both in training and times of conflict.
Nigel Muers-Raby, Head of Marketing for Pardoes Solicitors commented:
"We are so delighted to be part of this exciting event for Somerset and are expecting it to be extremely popular, to raise awareness of our supported military charities, and for it to be one of the local highlights of the summer. It has been an ambitious project and huge team effort to get this off the ground. Great news has just been received that the Ministry of Defence initiative, 'The Armed Forces Community Covenant' is backing the Tattoo, thanks to the Somerset Covenant Committee, raising awareness of the occasion and what it stands for."
Debbie Howarth, from the Taunton based Royal Marines charity Go Commando added:
"This is a great first for the county and our charity is hugely proud to be associated with the Tattoo. Tickets are now selling well as the countdown begins and we are delighted to be working with sponsor and leading publication Somerset Life as our media partner for the event. We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors who have got behind us to support and help promote this occasion, a true celebration of the Armed Forces and Public Services in Somerset."
Gates open at 10.30am with the Arena programme commencing at 11.30am and the event will be closed by a 'Sunset Ceremony' at 5pm, incorporating a full Military salute and finale by massed bands.
Ticket information HERE