Plan ahead to attend in summer some of the grand pomp nd ceremony events of the UK, held annually. Trooping the Cour is a huge military event, on the Queen’s birthday in Horseguards. Most seats are allotted, but a decent quantity is available by a ballot to the public. This year, instead of postal application, the Household Cavalry is going online, with the ballot via their website. Applications would be accepted from 15 January. Those selected will be asked to pay £30 fpr a ticket but only up to three. However, there are options which are free to attend, during rehearsals taking place before the main event. Tickets for these too will be released on 15 January.
The Garter Ceremony, held inside the Windsor Castle, is a procession of most of the Royal Family and other people in ceremonial dress, going to the ancient church service, in the summer weather of June. It is also relaxed event, with picnics and people on the lawn. Tickets are free and can be requested in January or February, by an email to Garterday.info@royal.gsx.gov.uk, so add name and address. Get up to 4 tickets on request.
Ceremony of the Keys is a regular but private ceremony, taking place every night inside the Tower of London, not visible to the public. However you can apply for free tickets. Again, they have dropped the postal application to go online (so book at www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/explore/ceremony-of-the-keys/). Book early, as there’s a waiting list. You can attend standing to one side, to watch soldiers and the Beefeaters marching and shouting, ceremonially locking the fortress.
