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Armouries' Grand Military Tattoo Takes to the Skies

One of the South coast's biggest events, the Royal Armouries' Grand Military Tattoo, takes to the skies on Saturday, September 6 this year with an aerial theme to mark the 90th anniversary of the creation of the Royal Air Force.

The annual spectacular on Portsdown Hill, Fareham, will feature parachutists, flypasts and fireworks to celebrate the formation of the RAF in 1918.

With a matinee and evening performance, highlights include the Band of the Army Air Corps, supported by massed highland pipes and drums. Gates open 1pm for 2pm start for the matinee, which has extra flypasts with First World War bi-planes (in addition to the helicopters of the Army Air Corps Historic Flight which are at both shows).

Spectators will be treated to the First World War 90th anniversary displays, including gunfiring and thundering guns at the gallop - with an original 1918 dated field gun being pulled into action by a team of horses and fired by WWI uniformed soldiers for the anniversary salute. Plus Victorian cavalrymen demonstrate the mounted skills of the famous "Death or Glory Boys" of the 17th Lancers - courtesy of the 17th Lancers Display Troop.

The event also includes exciting demonstrations by police dog teams - including the chasing down of "criminals". The Victorian fort - which houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns - will provide an imposing backcloth to a host of quality performers during the Tattoo.

The evening show features an explosive firework finale and gates open 6pm for a 7pm start. Both shows conclude with massed bands performing the 1812 Overture - with real cannon-firing accompaniment - so the events will truly end with a bang!

Fort operations manager Mark Selwood said: "Whatever the weather, the Tattoo is a fantastic fun day out with plenty of pomp and circumstance and excitement to thrill the whole family."

Ticket prices start from as little as £9 or £24 for a family and are available from the Fort Box Office, via the Royal Armouries' museum's special hotline on 01329 848500.

The Tattoo is the finale to the Fort's summer programme, which is guaranteed to appeal to young and old. For details of more children's and family events contact the Fort on 01329 233734.

The fort, which was built in 1860, is set in 19 acres and was built to protect Portsmouth from possible invasion from the French. Although it was never put to the test, it offers a unique experience, with vast underground tunnels, live re-enactments and a huge collection of big guns and cannon. It also houses the famous Iraqi "Supergun" and is a Guinness Book of Records' holder for the biggest mortar and canon ball. Entry is free - except on special event days.

The fort's Powderkeg Café is also open seven days a week offering home-cooked Hampshire fare.

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Note to editors:

Reporters and photographers are welcome at the event, please call in advance.

Media contact: Catherine Kelly/Joss Loader, Primary PR Ltd.
Telephone: 01903 783832, 07704 130226, 07838 379599.
E-mail: info@primarypr.co.uk

About the fort:

The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns. The museum houses one of the world's finest collections with over 350 cannon dating back over 600 years and from every corner of the earth. The collection originated from HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995.

The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson also tells the story of the Palmerston Forts, built to protect Portsmouth from a feared French invasion in the 1860's.

Every day, visitors can see one of the big guns fired in salute, watch our resident actors bring to life characters from 1,000 years of history, explore secret underground tunnels and enjoy incredible views from the ramparts. An extensive programme of special event spectaculars takes place throughout the year.

Fort Nelson is open every day except 24th, 25th & 26th December. April to October 10am -5pm (Wed 11am-5pm), November - March 10.30am - 4pm (Wed 11.30-4pm).

Admission to the Royal Armouries is FREE.
Admission charges apply to some events.
Information line: 01329 233734
Website: www.royalarmouries.org
Email: fnenquiries@armouries.org.uk

The Royal Armouries is the national museum of arms and armour with sites at Fort Nelson, Leeds, HM Tower of London and Louisville, Kentucky, USA.