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"FESTIVALS, REGATTAS AND EVENTS UK"
Dartmouth Regatta
The band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, will provide the perfect level of pageantry when they lead the procession from the Dartmouth Guildhall to the Band Stand in the Royal Avenue Gardens for the Official Opening Ceremony.
Following the conclusion of the Official Opening Ceremony the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines will beat Retreat on the South Embankment.
The ceremony of Beating Retreat has its origins in the battles of the Middle Ages when, at dusk, a drummer boy was sent along the ranks of the infantry to beat retreat. On hearing the drum the soldiers retired to their overnight quarters or garrison. Sentries and piquets would be posted for the night, again on a signal from the drum. Finally, Last Post would be sounded by the bugler.
In the seventeenth century 'Retreat' and 'Tattoo' (taken from the Dutch word meaning 'turn off taps') were embellished by the addition of fifes playing martial airs. During the eighteenth century, bands were added, often giving a torchlight display as an entertainment for the garrison. In the Royal Marines, the ceremony gained importance during the 1930's, when the Divisional Bands accompanied Naval visits to foreign ports. The ceremony culminated in the playing by band and bugles of 'Sunset'. The original setting by A.C. Green is still used today.
Today's ceremony begins with the band playing traditional tunes as it marches and counter marches leading to the Drum Beatings. The band then moves to a central position for the Finale, which includes an evening hymn and the performance of Sunset. It is customary to remain silent throughout the Finale sequence and Military Personnel to stand to attention during the playing of Sunset. A Saluting Officer should take a lead from the Drum Major on when to sdalute during Sunset.
The first Recorded Regatta in Dartmouth was in 1822. There were three sailing races, one six-oared gig race, and a military band played out at the Dartmouth Castle and 120 attended a ball.
In 1834 the Regatta, which used to be run by leading gentlemen of the neighbourhood, changed its format when the inhabitants of the Town called a meeting and elected a Committee of their own.