WINDSOR CASTLE ROYAL TATTOO HERALDS THE RETURN OF THE ROYAL NAVY FIELD GUN RACE
This year’s Royal Tattoo, a military and musical spectacular held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle from 13 – 16 May 09 is delighted to welcome The Royal Navy and its special tribute to the world famous Field Gun Race. The last time the Field Gun Race was held at a Tattoo was during The Royal Tournament, over ten years ago.
Two 18 man teams from HMS Nelson, Portsmouth, will compete head-to-head in a thrilling race, across an 85 yard-long track with a 190 Pattern Field Gun , changing wheels, connecting the gun and limber, and firing.
The Guns used in the Tattoo’s Field Gun Race, are similar to the guns used in the Boer War. They weigh 1250lbs, with additional weight coming from the Limber and four wheels (each of which weigh 120lbs). The total amount, which is lifted in one go at the ‘Double-Lift’ stage is over one tonne, similar to the weight of an average family car.
The traditions of the Field Gun Race have continued with the annual Brickwoods Field Gun Race in Portsmouth. Over the four nights the teams will be competing to abridged Brickwoods rules, with the overall winner being awarded The Royal Tattoo Trophy, which is presented in perpetuity by Land Rover.
The competition commemorates the feats performed by the Naval Brigade during the Boer War, when they manhandled Field Guns across inhospitable terrain to relieve the siege of Ladysmith, in the heart of South Africa.
It was an immense feat, which demonstrated the highest traditions and values of the Royal Navy. At The Royal Tattoo, their forbears will, once again, show off the teamwork, physical strength and courage that makes this one of the most gruelling team sports in the World.
Organisers are therefore delighted that the Royal Navy has agreed to bring a near copy of the Brickwoods Field Gun Race to The Royal Tattoo, in front of 30,000 spectators. It will be a fitting tribute to the 10th Anniversary of the close of the Royal Tournament and the last ‘Inter Command’ Field Gun Race.
Simon Brooks-Ward, Event Director said: “The Field Gun Race is a truly iconic competition. We are proud to be the first Tattoo to showcase the tremendous skill and sportsmanship of the competitors – the crowd will not be disappointed!”
Matt Shortt, Leading Physical Trainer for the Navy teams said: “The crews have a lot of hard work ahead of them in preparing for the Royal Tattoo. They will be issued with their own guns on 21st April and from that date will complete six weeks intense training before coming to the Tattoo in May. Both crews will be desperate to win that trophy.”
On average, a run takes one minute and 25 seconds. The World record at present is 1 min 18.88 seconds set by HMS Collingwood in 2001. Will the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo see this record being broken?
In only its second year, the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo, a not-for-profit event supporting the Royal British Legion, is shaping to be one of the highlights of the International Tattoo calendar. With support from all three services, the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo is there to serve and celebrate the extraordinary endeavours of our soldiers, sailors and airmen.
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo 2009 are on sale now priced at £15, £25, £35, £45 and £60. They can be purchased by telephoning the box office on 0871 230 5570, or booked online via the website at www.windsortattoo.com. Tickets can also be purchased through Windsor Information Centre with discounts available for Advantage Card Holders. Please contact the centre on 01753 743907 for full details.
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About the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo:
The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo is supported by BAE Systems, Compass and Land Rover.
This not-for-profit event launched in May 2008 and was devised with the aim of raising public awareness of the wide contribution to security that the Armed Forces deliver and the value and standards that it maintains. It also raises funds to support individual soldiers, and their dependants, who have served and are serving on demanding current operations, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Last year’s Tattoo attracted over 18,000 spectators and this year’s event will cater for nearly 30,000 visitors in total. The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo includes ceremonial displays and bands, but also demonstrates the reality of modern day soldiering through arena action displays. The Tattoo was broadcasted in 2008 by the BBC.
About The Royal British Legion:
The Royal British Legion provides financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependants. Currently, nearly 10.5 million people are eligible for our support and we receive thousands of calls for help every year.
The Legion was founded in 1921 as a voice for the ex-Service community and over 380,000 members continue to ensure that this voice does not go unheard. Although the needs of ex-Service people have changed over the years, we are still there to safeguard their welfare, interests and memory. British service people are in action around the world every day of the year. They know that if they need our support - now or in the future - the Legion is always on active duty for them.
About the Organisers:
The HPower Group produce, manage and promote large scale public events worldwide specialising in equestrian competitions, ceremonial events and public entertainment.
The HPower Group is the organiser of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Olympia, The London International Horse Show and the FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships 2009. The HPower Group has previously produced and directed All The Queen’s Horses, Army 2002, and the World War 2 60th Anniversary Celebrations. Simon Brooks-Ward, managing director, was also Event Director for the Territorial Army’s 100th Anniversary National Pageant on Horse Guards
For further information please contact Kelly Smith on 01753 847915 or email kellys@hpower.co.uk
For images, please visit our media library at www.hpowermedia.co.uk (Username: RWHS; Password: Media)
This news item was added on 07 April 2009
