From Friday 25th – Sunday 27th November 2016, Cadet Sergeant Hannah Eden from 422 (Corby) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAF AC), spent the weekend at RAF Cosford with the National Marching Band of the RAF AC, preparing for their big performance at the Birmingham International Tattoo.
Upon their arrival on the Friday evening, the band had an intense rehearsal ready for the weekend ahead. Saturday morning consisted of travelling to the Barclaycard Arena and a full rehearsal of their performance and also the grand finale, which brought together all the acts that took part in the Tattoo. Later in the evening it was the band’s first performance of two in the arena that weekend and in front of around 15,000 people.
Also performing in the Tattoo was local RAFA Branch Member and Bagpipe Instructor Mr Mick Murray who was with the Nene Valley Pipe Band.
On Sunday 27th November 2016, around 80 cadets, staff and family members travelled to the Barclaycard Arena to watch the Tattoo and support Cadet Sergeant Eden and Mr Murray. Everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the Tattoo and would love to attend next year. It was full of great music, drill, entertainment and was overall a tremendous day out.
Cadet Sergeant Eden said, “The Birmingham International Tattoo was an outstanding performance – it will stay with me forever. It was a fantastic show to finish off my year with the National Marching Band, and I hope to be successful in my application for next year. Massive thank you to all of the cadets, staff and family members who have supported me, and continue to support me, with everything I do in the band.”
Flight Lieutenant Kev Ritchie RAFVR(T) said “This is a fantastic achievement for Hannah, to not only represent her Squadron but the RAF AC as a whole. Hannah and the National Marching Band should be really proud of their performance; it was outstanding”.