Stoke Military Tattoo aims to raise money for charity

Stoke is to host a military tattoo in May with the aim of raising as much money as possible for charity.

The Stoke Military Tattoo will take place at Kings Hall on May 9th and promises a day of entertainment and demonstrations that will hopefully raise thousands of pounds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which supports both current and former servicemen and their families.

The event will feature a performance by the Military Wives Choir and music from the Great War period, as well as marching displays, sunset ceremonies and a beating retreat. The Band of the Mercian Regiment and members of the Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire Army Cadet Forces will put on many of the military performances.

Mike Frewer of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’s Staffordshire committee told the Stoke Sentinel that the annual tattoo is the local branch’s main fundraiser. Last year’s event raised £4,500 from around 500 spectators. 

“We get a lot of support in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and we are hoping to sell out. Traditionally, this has always been one of the best recruiting areas for the forces. Therefore, there is always someone in that mercifully small percentage that needs the support of the charity,” he explained.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity celebrated its 70th birthday last August. Brigadier (Rtd) Robin Bacon, chief of staff at the organisation, said at the time: “While conflicts come and go, we have always been there to help with housing, mental health, disability, financial hardship and elderly care.”

The charity offers grants for things such as care home fees, holiday schemes for families under stress and annuities for veterans or their widows. Around half of its money is given directly to individuals, with the other half going to other charitable organisations.