A CLOUD of red smoke streamed out from the parade square in Fulwood Barracks.

Suddenly all eyes turned upwards where four parachutists were gliding swiftly to earth.

The Beating of the Retreat was about to begin, and as the members of the Prince of Wales' Own Regiment landed right on target, it was a cue for the bands to march.

The lively programme was kicked off by the Trumpeters of the King's Division Normandy Band bellowing out Flourish 'The Final Run'.

Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Band followed with Zorba's Dance and many other old favourites. The Corps of Drums 5th/8th (Volunteer) Battalion of the King's Regiment gave a colourful rendition of the Army of the Nile.

And not to be outdone, the King's Division Normandy Band (based at Weeton) joined forces with host regiment, the Queen's Lancashire Corps of Drums for a spectacular performance of the Lord of the Dance. The entertainment climaxed with a massed bands and corps of drums finale which saw some splendid marching as the different groups paraded between and beside each other.

Hundreds of people, young and old, came from all over the country to watch the spectacle of marching bands parading alongside veterans and cadets.

Visitors were also treated to a display of military hardware at Saturday's parade, presided over by Brigadier Alex Birtwistle, and hosted by 42 North West Brigade with the support of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment.

Anyone wishing to see more military equipment and find out about their local Territorial Army unit is invited to attend a recruitment open evening at Kimberley Barracks in Deepdale Road (next door to PNE) this Tuesday (July 6) from 7.30pm. For further details, call the unit on (01772) 260637.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.