Beating Retreat changes format

The annual Beating Retreat ceremony, organised by the Hertfordshire Committee of the Army Benevolent Fund, will take place on Sunday, 25 June.

There are a few changes to the event this year, including the fact that it will become a tattoo of military music in order to celebrate the newly designated "Veterans Awareness Day" on 27 June. Music will provided by two bands and two pipe bands, comprising over 100 musicians. These will be The Band of the Irish Guards who played at Her Majesty’s 80th birthday celebrations in Windsor, The Royal British Legion Youth Band Brentwood, an exceptional young persons’ marching band who are regular favourites, and two newcomers, The Epping Forest Pipe Band, and The Sutherland Pipes and Drums.

Tickets may be bought at the free car parking is available from 5.15 pm and the programme starts at 7.30pm, finishing at approximately 9pm. Tickets may be purchased at the gate for £6 (£5 if bought in advance), £5 for OAPs, children under 12 free. They may be purchased in advance from the Tourist Information Office, Hertford, Hertford Travel, Hoddesdon Travel and Cannons Travel, Hoddesdon. There is limited seating and spectators may wish to bring folding chairs.

Special tickets at £30 are available from The Chairman, Hertfordshire ABF Committee, 30, Mardleybury Road, Woolmer Green, Herts. SG3 6LT. Holders of these tickets will have special parking, a reception and buffet at 6pm and reserved seats for the Tattoo.