royaltournament.org

During the autumn of 2008, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity embarked on the project that would become the British Military Tournament.  The project was led by the last Chairman of the Royal Tournament, Major-General (Retired) Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter.  The aim of the project was to provide a focal point event to raise the profile of the charity and to aid fundraising.

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The first British Military Tournament (BMT) was staged at Earls Court during December 2010.  Like its predecessor the Royal Tournament, BMT included a range of displays such as massed bands, mock battles, and historic re-enactments.  The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery also appeared at the BMT each year from 2010 to the last performance in 2013.

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Wellington College in Berkshire provided two crews each year to compete in a Field Gun Competition.  Students aged 14-18 (Boys & Girls) took part in the competition, using half sized specially built replica field guns.  The obstacles, however were the same size as those used by the Royal Navy at the Royal Tournament until 1999.

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The BMT attracted up to 45,000 visitors over 4 performances each year until 2013.  It also enjoyed Royal Patronage, in 2012 to mark her Diamond Jubilee an additional Friday Evening performance was attended by HM Queen Elizabeth II.  The last BMT was staged in December 2013, Earls Court Exhibition Centre closed the following year.