Representatives from Troop Aid, the RAF Benevolent Fund and Royal Star & Garter were honoured to step into the arena on both days to share with the audience the vital work each of our charities carries out. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, every souvenir programme sold included a contribution to the three charities, along with communal bucket collections at the end of both performances. Your support truly makes a difference.

Each year, the Tattoo delivers an unforgettable showcase of talent and tradition. From the stirring sounds of massed marching bands, pipes and drums, to the excitement of field gun racing, impressive dog displays and vibrant dance teams, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

A particularly special element of the event is its celebration of young people. Cadets from the Sea Cadets, Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Army Cadet Force, alongside the National Marching Band, played key roles in both the Opening Ceremony and the Spectacular Grand Finale. Dancers from 11 youth dance schools also took part, highlighting the Tattoo’s commitment to community engagement and giving young performers the opportunity to shine alongside international acts.

The Spectacular Grand Finale was, as ever, a breathtaking moment. With over 1,000 performers filling the arena, the evening culminated in a moving and patriotic display of Land of Hope and Glory, The Evening Hymn and The Lone Piper, reinforcing themes of national pride and remembrance.

Saturday’s performance brought an especially powerful and emotional moment, as the event paused and the entire audience rose in a heartfelt standing ovation alongside the 1,000 performers for members of the Ukrainian Army and Navy participating in the show. It was a reminder of the unity, respect and shared spirit that events like this inspire.

We would like to say a very special thank you to our 21 wonderful volunteers who gave up their time and supported us across the two days — selling souvenir programmes, assisting with bucket collections and running our extremely busy exhibitor stand. We simply couldn’t do it without you.

To everyone who visited our stand to learn more about Troop Aid and our Grab Bag, made a donation or purchased a souvenir — thank you. It was a pleasure to meet you, and your kindness means so much to the charity.

Our sincere thanks also go to the Birmingham International Tattoo team and Kre8tive Communications for their unwavering support.

We look forward to seeing you again next year.  

Dates:
Saturday 20 February 2027 – 6.00pm
Sunday 21 February 2027 – 2.00pm

Location:
BP Pulse LIVE at the NEC, Birmingham
For more details, please visit bhamtattoo.com.

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The Mayor was warmly welcomed by staff and volunteers, who delivered a short presentation outlining the vital work carried out by the charity. During the visit, Councillor McKenzie learned more about Troop Aid’s ongoing commitment to supporting injured service personnel and veterans.

She expressed how impressed she was with the dedication, compassion, and impact of the charity’s work. As a kind and thoughtful gesture, the Mayor also took the time to sign several “Get Well” cards, which will be sent to injured service members to offer encouragement and support during their recovery.

Solihull Councillor Annette McKenzie has shown a strong commitment to community engagement throughout her time as Mayor. Her visit reflected her genuine interest in local charities and the valuable role they play in supporting those in need.

By taking the time to meet staff, learn about their work, and personally engage in small but meaningful gestures, she demonstrated her support for both the charity sector and the Armed Forces community. Her encouragement and interest were greatly appreciated by everyone at Troop Aid and served as a reminder of the importance of civic leadership in recognising and celebrating the efforts of local organisations.

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This year, that honour was carried out by Captain Al Sutton and Diana Frangou. Captain Sutton is not only a Trustee but also one of the original founders of Troop Aid, whose dedication and vision helped establish the organisation from its very beginnings. Alongside him was Diana Frangou, who first joined Troop Aid as a volunteer and, through her continued commitment and leadership, now serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Captain Sutton had the privilege to meet Prince Albert Jacob, who attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, during the Mayor’s reception that followed the church service.

Their presence at the Memorial was a meaningful representation of Troop Aid’s values, history, and ongoing commitment to remembrance and service.

The Solihull Remembrance Sunday Memorial stands as a powerful place of reflection, bringing the community together each year to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who gave their lives in conflict. On Remembrance Sunday, the memorial becomes a focal point for quiet remembrance, where wreaths are laid and moments of silence observed in gratitude and respect.

It serves not only as a tribute to the fallen, but also as a reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of remembering past sacrifices while working toward a more peaceful future.

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Throughout the afternoon, Jack danced and sang along to the music, filling the room with joy, leaving a lasting impression on all those present. His enthusiasm and talent didn’t go unnoticed.

Among the guests at the event was the 71st Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Shahin Ashraf MBE who was so impressed by Jack’s performance that she personally invited him to the Mayor’s Parlour for a special afternoon tea in April 2025. This gesture was a lovely recognition of Jack’s bright spirit and his ability to bring joy to those around him. We look forward to hearing about his visit to the Mayor’s Parlour, and we’re so proud to see young people like Jack receiving such wonderful recognition.

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Over the years, Steve and his security company have generously contributed not only through cash donations and fundraising events but also by providing professional security for many of our military-style balls, ensuring our events run smoothly and safely.

Despite facing a personal challenge with a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Steve has remained determined and resilient. Demonstrating remarkable courage and commitment, he kept himself fit and, in November 2024, completed a charity 10-mile walk with the Parachute Regiment, carrying his full Army kit. This extraordinary effort raised an impressive £3,500 for Troop Aid, reflecting both his dedication and his indomitable spirit.

Steve is truly an inspiring veteran, embodying perseverance, generosity, and service. Troop Aid extends a heartfelt thank you to Steve for his ongoing support and for raising such significant funds to help injured service personnel and veterans. His contribution makes a real difference, and we are immensely proud to have him as a supporter.

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In March 2025, Martin and Ken from Shirley Lions Club visited our warehouse to present the latest cheque, a gesture that reflects the ongoing dedication and enthusiasm of their members. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Shirley Lions Club, whose contributions – both financial and in terms of volunteer time – make a real difference to the lives of injured service personnel and veterans.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all members of Shirley Lions Club for their outstanding and unwavering support of Troop Aid. Your generosity and commitment truly help us to continue our vital work.

Shirley Lions Club – A History of Community Service

Shirley Lions Club was founded in 1977 as part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest volunteer service organisation. Lions Clubs International itself was established in 1917 by Melvin Jones in Chicago, with the motto “We Serve,” and has since grown to include more than 1.4 million members in over 44,000 clubs across nearly 210 countries and areas.

From its beginnings, Shirley Lions has embraced that ethos, bringing together local people who share a common passion for helping others and making a positive impact in their community. Over the years, the club has supported a wide range of causes, both locally and further afield, combining fundraising, service projects, and volunteer engagement to address needs wherever they arise.

Throughout its history, Shirley Lions has been actively involved in events and initiatives that matter to the people of Shirley and Solihull. These have included organising the annual Shirley Carnival, participating in community safety and health campaigns, supporting local youth programmes, and running popular events such as the Lions Beer & Cider Festival to raise funds for charities and good causes.

The club has also taken part in broader Lions activities such as the “Young Ambassador of the 21st Century” programme, which encourages and celebrates young volunteers, helping them build leadership skills and raise awareness of their community contributions.

Shirley Lions’ members volunteer their time, skills, and enthusiasm freely, and every penny raised goes directly to support those in need. Their work strengthens community bonds and enhances local quality of life, from supporting the elderly and young people to aiding fundraising partners like Troop Aid.

Learn More: shirleylions.co.uk

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Neve later went on to study music in Cardiff, where she continued to develop her talent and passion for performance. Despite her studies away from home, she remained committed to Troop Aid, regularly volunteering whenever she returned to Solihull. Her loyalty and willingness to give her time were greatly valued by everyone involved with the charity.

Neve is now pursuing her professional career in the British Army and is currently training at the Royal School of Military Music. Her invitation to Al Sutton to attend her passing-out parade was a proud moment and a testament to her journey from dedicated volunteer to serving musician. Troop Aid is extremely proud of Neve and wishes her every success as she continues her career in military music.

The Royal Military School of Music is a prestigious institution with a long and proud history of training musicians for the British Army. Renowned for its high standards of musical excellence and military discipline, the school plays a vital role in preparing soldiers for careers as professional military musicians. Students receive world-class instruction while also developing the skills, resilience, and teamwork required for service life.

The Royal Military School of Music is widely respected both within the Armed Forces and the wider music community, producing musicians who represent the Army at ceremonial events, public performances, and on operations around the world.

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The purpose of this visit was to oversee the staff packing approximately 300 Troop Aid Grab Bags as part of their Corporate Responsibility initiative known as Purpose Day.

A huge thank you to Tony Jones (Facilities Manager) for organising the purchase of some stock.  A big thank you also goes to Selina O’keefe of the People Department (HR) who organised our visit and coordinated the staff into packing groups on the day. Last but by no means least the catering staff who fed us with tea and coffee plus a typical Army lunch which we all enjoyed before we travelled back to Solihull, having had the most enjoyable day, which also included a tour of the factory where they make survival equipment for their large MOD contract.  

For the last two years the employees of Beaufort Ltd (previously Survitec) who are based in Ellesmere Port have packed 850 of our emergency packs. Beaufort are a company who make specialist survival equipment for Aircraft and Submarines on contract to the MOD. They are very keen to support military charities. We feel very privileged that they have chosen to support Troop Aid for the past two years.

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She wrote a Get Well card to go in one of our emergency packs, which will shortly be sent to an injured Armed Forces member.

Shahin Ashraf MBE is a British humanitarian leader, advocate, and local politician known for her extensive community, charity and civic work – especially in Solihull.

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He said “Firstly I wanted to thank Pam, Al, Kim, and the whole Troop Aid team for their unwavering commitment to helping our injured service men and women.  He said “I have seen first-hand, as a Trauma Surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the incredible impact Troop Aid has. Troop Aid supply “Grab Bags”, costing £40.00 to prepare, which include clothing, underwear, toiletries, and a get-well card.

I am incredibly proud that Troop Aid’s HQ is based in Solihull West and Shirley. I can’t thank Troop Aid enough for their dedication, love, and care for our Armed Forces. Helping injured troops to arrive at hospital with dignity and respect at a time of personal crisis makes a big difference.”

He also recommended his local constituents to attend the Birmingham International Tattoo in February 2025 at the Resorts World Arena at the NEC.

Link to Dr Shastri-Hurst’s full post

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