Having donned my navy-blue HMS Victory t-shirt and my snazzy Nelson pocket-watch, I was ready as ready could be for, hands-down, the best show of the year- Birmingham's show of respect to the Royal Navy and it's famous victory off Cape Trafalgar, in the form of a some nautical tunes, provided by the West Midland's Fire Brigade Band, the laying of a few wreaths at 'Brum's' magnificent statue of Nelson, and a parade through the city centre. Stirring stuff.
The ceremony is attended by the Royal Navy reserves, sea cadets and girl guides and scouts, as well as representatives from relevant organisations, such as the Nautical Club and the Nelson Society; and even the Lord Mayor of Birmingham makes an appearance. The Fire Brigade Band performed all the traditional songs such as Heart of Oak, Rule Britannia and the Hornpipe. I find it impossible not to sing along and do a little (subtle) jig while listening- it doesn't get much better than this! The only thing that could top this would be a Royal Marines Band in the shadow of the Victory in Portsmouth, which I can say from experience is a truly rousing affair. But this is a fine substitute, and the Fire Brigade Band were excellent. Plus, to make things even better, the Royal Navy reserves decided to do a little bob during the Hornpipe, much to our amusement. It was good to see today's sailors embracing the traditional identity of the British seaman.
When the Mayor made his appearence, the mood became much more solemn. This year the weather was not kind, and as we stood listening to the Mayor's speech, the wind picked up and blew cold rain into our faces, adding to the already sombre atmosphere. The Mayor's speech was short and sweet, and the wreaths were laid with the crowd watching in respectful silence.
Then, the mood lifted again, and the different organisations got into line, headed by the band, and marched through the centre, to Birmingham Council House, in Victoria Square, at the very heart of Birmingham. I visit Birmingham regularly, so it was very strange to see the navy walking through the centre, and also very thrilling. The Birmingham Predator, who usually stands in the middle of New Street posing for photos, had to stand to the side to keep out of the parade's way, and standing with his spear, now an onlooker, rather than the showman, he looked rather like he was standing to attention like a soldier- which I though was rather funny (I have an odd sense of humour!).
We saw he Lord Mayor take the salute at the front of the Council House, and the procession ended. We went on to seek rufuge from the rain, which had started again, in a tiny canal-side pub, where we sat around a large barrel. Very appropriate for a day celebrating one of the navy's greatest achievements!
The ceremony is attended by the Royal Navy reserves, sea cadets and girl guides and scouts, as well as representatives from relevant organisations, such as the Nautical Club and the Nelson Society; and even the Lord Mayor of Birmingham makes an appearance. The Fire Brigade Band performed all the traditional songs such as Heart of Oak, Rule Britannia and the Hornpipe. I find it impossible not to sing along and do a little (subtle) jig while listening- it doesn't get much better than this! The only thing that could top this would be a Royal Marines Band in the shadow of the Victory in Portsmouth, which I can say from experience is a truly rousing affair. But this is a fine substitute, and the Fire Brigade Band were excellent. Plus, to make things even better, the Royal Navy reserves decided to do a little bob during the Hornpipe, much to our amusement. It was good to see today's sailors embracing the traditional identity of the British seaman.
When the Mayor made his appearence, the mood became much more solemn. This year the weather was not kind, and as we stood listening to the Mayor's speech, the wind picked up and blew cold rain into our faces, adding to the already sombre atmosphere. The Mayor's speech was short and sweet, and the wreaths were laid with the crowd watching in respectful silence.
Then, the mood lifted again, and the different organisations got into line, headed by the band, and marched through the centre, to Birmingham Council House, in Victoria Square, at the very heart of Birmingham. I visit Birmingham regularly, so it was very strange to see the navy walking through the centre, and also very thrilling. The Birmingham Predator, who usually stands in the middle of New Street posing for photos, had to stand to the side to keep out of the parade's way, and standing with his spear, now an onlooker, rather than the showman, he looked rather like he was standing to attention like a soldier- which I though was rather funny (I have an odd sense of humour!).
We saw he Lord Mayor take the salute at the front of the Council House, and the procession ended. We went on to seek rufuge from the rain, which had started again, in a tiny canal-side pub, where we sat around a large barrel. Very appropriate for a day celebrating one of the navy's greatest achievements!