British Military Tournament will wow

The British Military Tournament, which is scheduled to run at Earls Court in London between 2 and 4 December, will excite and amaze audiences with this year's theme of our special relationship with the US.

The British Military Tournament returns to London's Earls Court this year with the spotlight on Britain's special relationship with our former colonial cousins, the Unites States of America.

The Tournament, which returned last year after a ten year absence, will chart the history of the UK's military relationship with America, from being at war with each other during the American War of Independence, to fighting together as allies in both world wars.

In presenting the chronology of the developing relationship the theatrical show, which features over 700 participants, many of whom are active combat service personnel, seizes the opportunity to showcase the superb and often breathtaking skills of the British armed forces with a number of highly anticipated events, including: -

Musicians from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army as well as the US Army.

American Civil War re-enactors from the US.

Over 100 horses and military vehicles.

The only opportunity to witness the famous Field Gun Run featuring two crews from Wellington College who will race each other over the renowned obstacle course.

The iconic and enjoyable Musical Drive of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

An amazing and awe-inspiring display of stunts from the White Helmets (Royal Corp of Signals Motorcycle Display Team).

Appearances by the US Army Drill Team and The US Army Europe Band & Chorus

The three-day event, which is narrated by actor Anthony Andrews, commences on Friday 2 December and The Queen will be present on the opening night to give the event, which will hopefully be seen by over 50,000 people, the royal seal of approval.

The Tournament begins with the American War of Independence, or the Revolutionary War, depending upon your nationality which saw America break from Britain, its former colonial master.

With references to the war of 1812, during which the British burned down the White House, the Tournament moves to the Boer war, spotlighting the Field Gun Run which originates from that conflict, and onto the First World War, where the two nations became allies for the first time.

However, the so-called special relationship has been fractious at times even during periods when the two nations have been brothers-in-arms. In fact it may surprise many that in the inter-war period the United States had advances plans to drive British Empire out of the West with an invasion of Canada and a seizure of Britain's interests in the Caribbean. The plan was effectively shelves with the onset of World War 2. There have been spats and disagreements too in relation to the Suez Crisis, the Vietnam War and the recent invasion and occupation of Iraq.

However, all this will be forgotten and the focus will firmly be on the special relationship and the current entente cordial that exists between the two countries as they continue to work together militarily in Afghanistan.

As well as the Tournament proper there is a huge range of fun and interesting military related activities in the exhibition area of Earls Court, as well as an opportunity to meet members of the armed services as well as indulge in a little shopping.

This year's Tournament is being presented by ABF the Soldiers' Charity in association with The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

BritEvents.com has tickets to this year's British Military Tournament so why don't you take this wonderful opportunity to glimpse what is best about our armed services whilst supporting some fantastic charities.

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