Military tournament launch

Londoners have been provided with sneak-preview of what will be on offer at this year's British Military Tournament.

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2012 tournament pays tribute to the Queen

To mark the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of 2012, this year’s British Military Tournament will cover the "life and times" of Queen Elizabeth II, starting with the events of 1926 (the year the Queen was born) and finishing with the current-day military engagement in Afghanistan.

The event is described as the largest display of military theatre anywhere in the world and will include:

  • More than 600 participants (including active servicemen) and 150 horses.
  • The bands of the Royal Marines, the Household Cavalry, the Royal Artillery and the Royal Air Force.
  • The horses of the Household Cavalry competing with the motorcycles of the Royal Signals’ White Helmets over an obstacle course which includes jumps and flaming hoops.
  • A battle re-enactment featuring the Royal Logistic Corps in a dramatic bomb disposal in Afghanistan.
  • The largest massed bagpipe band seen at Earls Court since the Second World War.

Pictures: British Military Tournament launch

London Tonight has been at the launch for this year's British Military Tournament.

Members of the armed forces rehearsed some of the routines that will be on show when the event takes place at Earls Court in December.

The Pipes and Drums of the London Scottish Regiment give a taster performance.
The Pipes and Drums of the London Scottish Regiment give a taster performance. Credit: London Tonight.
The Queen's Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force rehearses its continuity drill.
The Queen's Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force rehearses its continuity drill. Credit: London Tonight.
A horse from the Household Cavalry beats a motorcycle from the Royal Signals White Helmets in a race through a flaming hoop.
A horse from the Household Cavalry beats a motorcycle from the Royal Signals White Helmets in a race through a flaming hoop. Credit: London Tonight.

Blazing launch for military tournament

Londoners have been provided with sneak-preview of what will be on offer at this year's British Military Tournament in Earls Court.

Organisers held a launch event today at which horses jumped through blazing hoops in a spectacular taster show.

The main event, scheduled for the 8th and 9th December, will raise money for ABF The Soldiers Charity, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

A horse jumps through a flaming hoop.
A horse jumps through a flaming hoop. Credit: London Tonight.