Sligo to host its first ever Military Tattoo this weekend
MULTIPLE marching bands, the skirl of pipes, the unmistakeable sound of soldiers marching in unison, military vehicles from the First and Second World War noisily making their way through the centre of Sligo town are just some of the highlights of a Military Tattoo event, the first one ever in Sligo town, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday.
The event is being organised by the 28th Infantry Battalion Association which was established in 2014 as a body incorporating both active and retired members of the Defence Forces – primarily those who operated in the 28th Infantry Battalion (Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim).
The Military Tattoo organisers, in association with Sligo County Council and Sligo BID, have meticulously planned the event which includes a broad programme of entertainment, spectacle, commemoration and educational elements – the events to be staged in various locations ranging from City Hall, the Peace Park, County Council Chambers, the Clayton Hotel and Sligo Courthouse.
In addition, there will be exhibitions and talks and key moments in Irish military history will be marked.
One of the big events of the weekend is Saturday’s parade through the centre of Sligo. Defence forces veterans will parade on Saturday afternoon (from 1pm) and will be led by a Colour Party from the Defence Forces.
The Pipe Band of the 28th Infantry Battalion will follow next in the order of parade. Veteran groups will include the 28th Infantry Battalion Association, the United Nations Veterans (IUNVA), the National Association of Ex-Servicemen and women (ONE), the Association of Military Police (MPAI). Other veteran associations representing the Defence Forces have also been invited to attend. The locally-based 5th Field Signals and 19th Infantry Battalion will also be on parade.
This parade is one of the key events of the weekend, the parade participants will assemble from 12 noon at the Abbey Street car park, the parade, which it is estimated will take 45 minutes from start to finish, will begin at Abbey Street at 1pm and continue through Castle Street, Grattan Street, O’Connell Street, Fish Quay, City Hall and Quay Street.
Immediately after the parade there will be a special presentation to Jadotville veteran Johnny Stanford on the steps of City Hall and this will be followed by a display of military vehicles outside City Hall. At 4.30pm in City Hall there will be a presentation to veterans of the Jadotville siege.
Over the afternoon there will be various military reenactments at locations including Quay Street car park, City Hall, and the Peace Park. On Saturday night at 7.30pm the Defence Forces Band 2 Brigade are in concert at the Clayton Hotel with guest artiste soprano Rachel Croach.
On Sunday there’s a host of events throughout the day, for more on these and finer details on Saturday’s events see the Military Tattoo Sligo Facebook page.