Beating Retreat - Modern British Ceremony

Modern British Ceremony

These days, most armed forces in the Commonwealth perform some ceremonial form of the retreat and it is often used as a proving test for new band members as well as a practice for difficult drill moves such as the Spin Wheel. The ceremonies generally involve the marching of a band, the firing of cannon and other decorative presentations. In many cases a castle is used as a prop or a backdrop for the parade (as in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo).

The London version takes place on Horseguards Parade, and is performed at by several military bands included the Massed bands of the Foot Guards, and the Mounted Bands of the Household Cavalry, as well as other performances which change each year. In 2008, the other performances were made by the Band of the Royal Malay Regiment, the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards, and the mounted Fanfare Trumpets and Timpani Drummers.

Each Year on two successive summer evenings starting at 21:00 hours, Beating Retreat is performed on Horseguards Parade, with a salute to the Queen or another member of the Royal Family. In 2010, these evenings were Wednesday 9 June and Thursday 10 June respectively.

Beating Retreat on Horseguards is open to be viewed by the public by ticket entry. Tickets are usually bought before the event and in 2010, were sold for the price of £15:00 An unreliable method of obtaining tickets is from Ticket touts or on the gate during the day of the Beating Retreat Ceremony, where Army officials are sometimes seen to sell spare tickets to interested members of the public.

• Note: Refer to See Also for list of Foot Guards Bands.