Beating retreat for Help for Heroes

AS THE marching season draws to a close, a local marching band has decided to round things off in style by hosting a Beating Retreat with all proceeds raised from the event going towards Help for Heroes.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Aug 2011, 16:51 BST

Dunloy Accordion Band will be the hosts for the evening in Seaview Stadium in Belfast on Saturday, September 24.

The event is organised single-handedly by the band’s Drum Major- Moneyreagh man- Davy Mercer.

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Seaview will come alive to the rousing sounds of your favourite military band music in a floodlight marching band music spectacular. Beginning at 7.30pm, the night will feature Ballinran Flute Band, Dr Wright Memorial Pipe Band and Comber Brass Band as well as the Heart of Down Highland Dancers.

The Beating retreat itself is an old army custom dating back to the 16th century where a prolonged drum beat would signal all fighting to cease at sunset and alert the soldiers to return to the garrison. Over the years the ceremony has been embellished until we arrive at today’s musical pageant.

Featuring such classics as Blaze Away, Killaloe, Dambusters, Trafalgar and featuring community singing involving the whole audience, the event has taken Davy almost an entire year to organise and will include the presence of many special guests and dignitaries. The main stand of the stadium holds 800 people and it is really hoped that the stand can be filled with spectators on the night to witness this unique occasion.

Tickets are priced at a very reasonable £8 with concessionary tickets costing £4 and all proceeds are for Help for Heroes.Tickets are available by contacting Faye on 07525178251.

Related topics:Help for HeroesBelfastTickets