The Birmingham International Tattoo is always an exciting and enjoyable event and this year's was no exception. My wife and I attended on the Saturday evening and were immediately impressed with the helpfulness of the staff who, on seeing my wife's wheelchair, swopped our tickets for ones with special disability access, thus ensuring an excellent view of the evening's events. 

As always, the programme was interesting, varied and ran like clockwork.  The international flavour was added by the Bands of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the Austrian Army. ( the latter being my wife's favourite performance), while those from nearer home were The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment,  The National Marching Band and the Pipes and Drums ( the personal favourite of this Northern Irishman of Scottish descent). In total contrast, at one stage the floor was filled with around 400 young disco dancers, who gave displayed their skills brilliantly and of course, the evening would not have been complete without the renewed rivalry of the armed services in field gun assembly.

The evening ended with the coming together of the massed bands and the  excellent singing of Tim Pitman, who had sung with the bands at various stages through the event. It was great to be back at the Tattoo and I am already looking forward to 2025. Many thnaks to Ian for organising our visit and here's to continued success for this spectacular and inspiring annual display.