Time: 7.30 pm
Place: Horse Guards Parade, London
Event: The Household Division Beating Retreat, Musical Spectacular
The British weather, always an anxiety at any open-air event, donned its best behaviour and delivered a balmy summer’s evening. As a layman, not entirely sure what to expect, the historic Admiralty buildings were already proving an impressive backdrop.
The gleaming appearance of the military uniforms, medals, horses and musical instruments – really was a sight for sore eyes. Bearing in mind, those spruce uniforms and glittering medals aren’t just ceremonial, they represent genuine service, sacrifice and valour. In short, the soldiers performing, weren’t just pretty (ahem!) they were the real deal.
When HRH, The Princess Royal (Princess Anne), joined the ranks, warm and spontaneous applause broke out; the audience counting people from many different countries and walks of life.
The concert began, and truly, the music soared! There were trumpets, cornets, bugles, trombones, bagpipes, drums and cannon fire! The middle section included classics from the likes of knighted icons: McCartney, Jagger, Robbie Williams and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The virtuoso performances – vocals, violin, cello, trumpet and more, were jaw-droppingly brilliant – including the solo guitarist blasting us from the roof top. Flame throwers flashed skyward, as well as seat-jumping, syncopated fireworks. The combination of sheer musicianship, drill, military precision, pomp and SFX was simply outstanding. [It made an ‘ordinary’ rock concert seem mundane.)
By the Last Post and “The Day Thou Gavest” was there a single dry eye in the house? If you get the chance to go, don’t beat a retreat: Advance! To cite my gracious hosts, both long-serving army doctors, “this is London at its best!” And I couldn’t have agreed more.