'the imjin' magazine Autumn 2019 | Page 17

MUSIC SPORT Cheltenham Half Marathon Sunday 29 September You can’t beat a day at the races – and what better way to enjoy the adrenaline rush of a grandstand finish than crossing the line yourself? The Cheltenham half marathon route covers all the best bits of Witcombe Cider Festival Brockworth, Gloucester 23 - 25 August Is Witcombe more of a cider festival or a music festival? Does it really matter when there are over fifty ciders on offer and major artists performing on stage? Headline acts include dance music pioneers Faithless (DJ Set), and British hip hop artists Plan B and Dizzee Rascal. Birmingham International Tattoo Arena Birmingham 23 - 24 November Experience the pageantry of Britain’s biggest indoor ‘tattoo’, featuring over 1,200 performers – and the most kilted pipers you’re likely to see this side of the border. The display features massed international bands from many NATO countries, @HQARRC the regency town. With the start and finish line at the Racecourse, participants get to enjoy views of the surrounding Cotswolds before heading off towards the town centre. The half-way point is around the Montpellier District, as the route then continues back through town before a final lap of the Racecourse. There may not be a photo finish, but it’s a great excuse for a selfie at least. The ARRC enters a team and details are available on ‘SharePoint’. For spectator information visit www. cheltenhamhalf.co.uk And it’s all happening on our doorstep. Any closer to Imjin Barracks and this festival would be on our parade square. Last year, this popular August Bank Holiday event moved to its new home at Brockworth, Gloucester – less than 5 miles from Imjin Barracks. Better still there’s a 10% discount on tickets for service men and women. Use the code ‘ticketsfortroops’ when purchasing online from www. witcombeciderfestival. co.uk Heineken Champions Cup Gloucester Rugby Various dates European rugby returns to Gloucester this autumn – as the Cherry and Whites face French and Irish opposition in the Heineken Champions Cup. Our local side have been drawn against four-time European Cup winners Toulouse, as well as Montpellier and Connacht in Pool 5 of the competition. The fixtures were yet to be confirmed at the time of going to print, but the first round of matches is due to take place on 15/16/17 November. For latest details visit www. gloucesterrugby.co.uk including the Band & Corps of Drums of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines (pictured), and the French army’s Musique des Troupes de Marine. They will be joined by the Band of the Polish Army and the award-winning ‘K&G’ youth marching band from The Netherlands. It should be quite a spectacle. If nothing else go for the British Flyball Dog Display. Tickets can be booked via the Box Office on 0844 3388222 or via bhamtattoo.com Allied Rapid Reaction Corps the imjin AUTUMN 2019 17