Royal Tournament

02/08/2025

On Monday 2 August 1999, the Last Royal Tournament was staged at Earls Court. Bringing to an end the 120-year history. The book 'A History of The Royal Tournament 1880 - 1999' tells the whole story of the show from its origins in Victorian London to the Last Run at Earls Court in 1999. It's available from our website:

From the first performance of “The Grand Military Tournament and Assault At Arms” in June 1880 until “The Last Run” during the summer of 1999, the Royal Tournament held a unique place in the hearts of the Great British public. Watched live by tens of thousands each summer, and millions more ...

21/06/2025

A History of The Royal Tournament tells the story of the show from the first Grand Military Tournament and Assault-At-Arms on 21 June 1880 to The Last Run on 2 August 1999.

From the first performance of “The Grand Military Tournament and Assault At Arms” in June 1880 until “The Last Run” during the summer of 1999, the Royal Tournament held a unique place in the hearts of the Great British public. Watched live by tens of thousands each summer, and millions more ...

21/06/2025

The early Tournaments featured a series of competitions between troops of the Victorian Army; tilting at the ring, sword v. bayonet, lemon cutting etc. It was commonly thought that there was no music at these performances until the inclusion of the first Musical Ride in 1882.

However, recent research has shown that the Band of the Royal Engineers ( of Royal Engineers) performed on the first day, 21 June 1880. They played music to entertain the audience during breaks in the competitions, this included a selection from the opera ‘Mignon’ which was popular at the time.

The Band of The Royal Yeomanry played 'Gavotte' from the opera at the 25th Anniversary Concert The Royal Military Chapel - The Guards' Chapel last year.

21/06/2025

145 years ago today, the first Grand Military Tournament and Assault-at-Arms opened its doors to the public at the Agricultural Hall, Islington (Business Design Centre).

"At 2pm on Monday 21st June 1880, a trumpeter from the Royal Artillery sounded the ‘Assembly’ and the first two combatants; Corporal Connoly, 11th Hussars, and Corporal Baker, 7th Dragoon Guards entered the arena of the Agricultural Hall. They competed in the fencing competition, with Connoly winning the first bout."

In October last year we recreated this moment The Royal Military Chapel - The Guards' Chapel for the 25th Anniversary Concert.

02/06/2025

We’ve had a few requests from people for signed copies of the Royal Tournament book for Father’s Day. We’ve added an option at the checkout to request a message. Please order by the end of the day on 4 June so we can get the books printed and shipped in time. https://www.royaltournament.org/product-page/a-history-of-the-royal-tournament-paperback

01/06/2025

Who's watching the 1995 Royal Tournament on BBC4 this evening? Share your memories of the 1995 show, where you there, did you take part?

Coverage of the 1995 Royal Tournament from Earls Court in London.

31/05/2025

Sunday 1 June, 21:00 hrs BBC4, The 1995 Royal Tournament. The Royal Air Force was the lead service in 1995. The Tournament celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War, both and . The programme featured the Massed Bands of The Royal Air Force (RAF Music) and Commonwealth Air Forces, The Queen's Colour Squadron (now the King’s Colour Squadron), and RAF Motorsports Association. The programme also included the Musical Drive of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, the Royal Navy Field Gun Competition and the Defence Animal Centre Dog Display Team.

Coverage of the 1995 Royal Tournament from Earls Court in London.

08/05/2025

Another delivery of books arrived from the printer yesterday! Now packaged up and ready to be shipped out. To order copies of A History of The Royal Tournament visit the online shop here https://www.royaltournament.org/product-page/a-history-of-the-royal-tournament-paperback

30/04/2025

The first batch of books have arrived! Thank's to everyone who pre-ordered. A Hisitory of The Royal Tournament 1880 -1999 tells the story of the show from its origins in the Victorian era to the Last Run at Earls Court in 1999. To order a copy visit the online shop here: https://www.royaltournament.org/product-page/a-history-of-the-royal-tournament-paperback

15/10/2024

On the evening of 2 October, we gathered at The Royal Military Chapel - The Guards' Chapel to celebrate the history of the Royal Tournament and the people who made the show so special. The Band of The Royal Yeomanry played music from across the 120-year History of the Tournament, including a piece played on the opening day of the first Tournament in 1880. We were joined by members of the Army Fencing Union, who recreated the first competition staged at the Tournament 144 years ago as well as a piper from the The London Scottish Pipes and Drums. The Finale of the concert was introduced by Rowan Atkinson, who had appeared in the arena of the last Royal Tournament in 1999 as Blackadder. Thank you to everyone who joined us on the evening and all those who helped to stage it.