MUSIC IN HARMONY
France will take part this year in the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo (12-15 May 2011). 250 French
military personnel will come together to perform music alongside the UK’s Armed Forces. Simon
Brooks-Ward, Event Director, tells us more about this Franco-British rendez-vous.
The Royal tattoo is only four years old. What is the key message of this initiative ?
We began the Royal Tattoo in response to the overwhelming support shown by the British Public to our
soldiers, sailors and airmen. We decided to utilise the Royal Windsor Horse Show showground in the
evening for a Military Spectacular with the aim of raising awareness and funds for our servicemen and
women
Is it important to make the public aware of the UK military’s commitment over the world ?
It is incredibly important to keep demonstrating the work that our Military do all over the World. 50 years
ago nearly every family in the UK had some connection with the Military (WW II and National Service).
Now very few have an understanding of military life. Events, like The Royal Tattoo, educate the public
through entertainment.
France will participate this year, and this is certainly a concrete follow up of the defence treaties
signed last November. Should this event be symbolic of the recent joint operability between the two
countries ?
I believe that there is a misunderstanding in some parts as to what the new Defence Co-Operation Treaty
means. It is our intention to show that our two Armed Forces are natural partners and that it is not a forced
relationship. For instance, there is no other European country that has the same heritage of ceremonial and
musical capabilities.
Do you think people will somehow associate it to the management of the Libyan crisis ?
I believe the public will naturally think of Libya and our co-operation there but I hope that we can show
that it is deeper than just one operation and that it is sustainable in the long term
Two hundred and fifty French troops will join. How many British ? What is the motivation across
the Channel ?
There are over 550 British Troops. It is going to be a massive spectacular not to be missed. I believe that
UK Defence has been fully supportive of this initiative. Obviously, both countries have many defence
issues going on at the moment. However, if you look at the list of Senior Military and Politicians attending
the event then you can see how seriously UK Defence is taking the inclusion of French Troops.
Any specific difficulties you met ?
Not really. I have to commend the Military Attache and Senior French Liaison Officer in London, who
immediately grasped the opportunity and have made it work at short notice.
The highlight of the programme ?
For me, it will be The French Foreign Legion. I saw them perform in the UK 15 years ago and I still
remember them vividly. As a horseman, I am also looking forward to seeing the glorious Mounted Band of
La Garde Republicaine. In fact, anything French !
Will French troops come back next year ?
No. I think this will be a one off. But who knows…
This interview will be published in the French magazine L’ECHO, June-September 2011
Claire Chick
London, 28 April 2011