Hadleigh Marching Militaire at Buckingham Palace

Music, Carols, Marching and a Torchlight Parade

In the year when the Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, it is perhaps appropriate to take a look back to the time at Christmas 1979, when Hadleigh Marching Militaire appeared in full flow at Buckingham Palace, displaying their marching, twirling and musical skills at a gala performance in aid of UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund. 
In their smart and distinctive uniforms the Hadleigh boys and girls – and quite a few grown-ups – went through their paces with pride and, dare I say, professionalism?   They certainly did us proud.   ( I remember a rather mundane conversation during an interval with the star of the show, Cliff Richard, about the weather. We were all younger then…)

The Queen (in red) and Prince Charles watched and waved from the Palace balcony.
© Robert Hallmann
Young people were well behaved then, even when playing with fire so close to the Palace at the Torch Parade.
© Robert Hallmann
Palace and balcony from the Queen Victoria Monument
© Robert Hallmann
Hadleigh was able to put on quite a show.
© Robert Hallmann
Strutting their stuff, dapper and smart.
© Robert Hallmann
HMM awaiting their turn...
© Robert Hallmann
Hadleigh was able to put on quite a show.
© Robert Hallmann
Braving a cold December night.
© Robert Hallmann
Cliff Richard headed the guest list, singing pop and Christmas Carols. Mike Reid was the announcer.
© Robert Hallmann
Final line-up with spectators. The bright light masks a TV crew.
© Robert Hallmann

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