Cathedral to host Waterloo anniversary concert

To mark the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, a special concert will take place in the grand surroundings of Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 20 June. 

Starting at 7.30pm the evening is set to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the National Charity of the British Army and will bring to a close events in the City to mark Armed Forces Day.

The Waterloo Concert will celebrate the courage, service and sacrifice of our soldiers from the Battle of Waterloo, through both World Wars to operations in Afghanistan. It will feature The Exeter Symphony Orchestra, with international violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen; The Exeter Philharmonic Choir; The Exeter Pipers and the Silver Bugles of 6th Battalion The Rifles.

The concert has the backing of historian and supporter of The Soldiers’ Charity Dan Snow, as he comments: “The Battle of Waterloo was a turning point for Britain and for Europe – and the Battle turned on the courage and sacrifice of the British soldier. 

Men like Sergeant James Graham of the Coldstream Guards, singled out by Wellington as “the bravest man in the Army”.  Defending Hougoumont Farm against all that Napoleon could throw at them, the Guards held Wellington’s right flank, but lost 348 men doing so. 

"The Waterloo Concert at Exeter Cathedral will honour the courage and sacrifice of generations of brave men and women like Sergeant Graham, through both World Wars right up to Afghanistan. They have given so much for us, so we should show our support for them.”

Hamish Monro, the concert organizer and member of the Devon Committee, The Soldiers’ Charity adds: “Since our founding in 1944, we have supported our servicemen and women and their families who have suffered personal loss and distress in 18 different operational theatres  -  from the steamy heat of the Malayan jungle to the frozen wastes of South Georgia.  All the proceeds of our Waterloo Concert will go to help members of the Army family in need.”

Tickets cost from £12 - £25 and are available  from Exeter Cathedral. They can be purchased at the Visitors Office, online at www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk or by calling 01392 285983

Tickets to include a reception in the Chapter House at 6.15pm cost £50 and are only available from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Exeter, telephone 01392 492650 or email: southwest@soldierscharity.org

Pictured at the launch event are from left to right: Regimental Sergeant Major Devon Army Cadet Force (Music), WO1 (RSM) Tony Cox BEM, Mace Sergeant to the Lord Mayor, Mr John Davies, The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Percy Prowse, ABF The Soldiers' Charity beneficiary, Sam Lemon, Concert producer, Mr Hamish Monro, City of Exeter Pipes and Drums, Mr James Robertson.