Tuesday evening will mark the now annual open evening at the Honourable Artillery Company – a regiment of the Territorial Army – based in a private oasis of greenery in the City of London between Old Street and Moorgate tube stations.
In addition to a fairly rare chance to go inside their old Regiment HQ and see the fine rooms within, there are usually a number of hardware displays around the grounds, including a tank, several armoured vehicles and usually a helicopter or two to sit inside.
The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) itself was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1537 by King Henry VIII, making it the oldest regiment in the British Army and the second most senior unit of the Territorial Army.
The highlight though is a series of displays by the Regiment, including the 17th Century Pikemen & Musketeers of the HAC; Guns and horses display by the Kings Troop, RHA; and a display by the HAC Band and Corps of Drums.
There may also be a “mock battle” which is very dramatic if they have that this year again.
Finally, there should be a parachute drop by the Black Knights, the Royal Artillery Parachute Display Team
Officially, the event is there to show off the Territorial Army, but it is quite an enjoyable evening out watching the “entertainments”, and the sales pitch is very relaxed.
An army BBQ will offer free food and there should be a pay bar in a tent next to it.
The doors open at 5:30pm – with things usually kicking off around 6:30pm – location map here.
The Honourable Artillery Company is a regiment of 400 men and women who voluntarily give up time from their civilian lives to train as soldiers in the Army’s only Surveillance and Target Acquisition patrol regiment. Soldiers from the HAC frequently deploy on operations to Afghanistan in support of the Regular Army. The Regiment also has a unique ceremonial role providing Guards of Honour at the Guildhall and Gun Salutes at the Tower of London.
[…] It’s open evening at the Honourable Artillery Company barracks in the City. Look out for parachute display. […]