1 Jul 05

Some 65,000 people joined the Red Devils at the Aldershot Army Show on the 2nd and 3rd July. The show, which dates back to the 1920s, is a major attraction for the area and carries on the tradition of bringing the Army and the general public together for a weekend of events, displays and entertainment. Aspire Defence were the main sponsors of the show for the second year running and the popularity of this year’s event led organisers to herald it as a great success.

The show celebrated 150 years of the Mounted Military Police with a fantastic Skill at Arms and Musical Ride display by the Light Dragoons Re-enactment Group. It also commemorated the 60th anniversary of VE and VJ Days and in honour of those momentous events veterans took part in a poignant March Past and Salute as a Grand Finale on the Sunday.

Displays in the main arena proved to be a huge attraction and highlights included the Royal Signals White Helmets motorcycle display team who thrilled the crowd with death-defying stunts such as riding through flames and their famous pyramid display.

The Red Devils were hugely popular and returned to the show for the second year running. As they jumped, two members of the team displayed an Aspire flag and a Union Jack along with their distinctive plumes of red smoke. On the Sunday they braved low cloud cover and jumped from the minimum height allowed which sent them speeding into the arena at a staggering 40 miles per hour. Upon landing they were saluted by Aspire’s Chief Executive Peter Smart who, on receiving from them their baton, enjoyed a quick joke with one member (originally from New Zealand) about the Lions’ less than impressive performance on the recent rugby tour! And the fun didn’t stop there for the devils who let their hair down following Saturday’s jump joining children for a quick go on the space hoppers!

The show continues to be a great success for the community and the Garrison. Through Project Allenby/Connaught Aspire Defence will become a significant part of the community in Aldershot, and will eventually be one of the largest employers in the region. The weekend was a great way for Aspire to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to the area and the Army, and it looks forward to supporting further local events in the years to come.