The Meticulous Planning Behind a VE Day Parade: An Exclusive Report from the BBC
As the nation prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the streets of London are set to be filled with pomp and circumstance. But have you ever wondered what goes into planning a parade of this magnitude? The BBC’s Ashitha Nagesh has been reporting live from The Mall, and she joins us to give an exclusive insight into the meticulous planning that goes into a VE Day parade.
According to Lt Col Charles Foinette, the Brigade Major of the Household Division, "quite a lot of preparation" has gone into this year’s parade. As he tells the BBC, "it’s not just about putting on a show, it’s about paying tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country." The Household Division, which oversees public duties and state ceremonial activity, has been working tirelessly to ensure that every detail is perfect. From "properly tailored" uniforms to hours of practising foot and rifle drills, no stone has been left unturned.
The BBC understands that several rehearsals have taken place throughout the weekend, with regiments practising along the real route in Green Park in the early hours of Saturday. Lt Col Foinette, who will be leading regiments in today’s parade on horseback alongside his horse, Percy, recalls getting on his horse at around 02:00 and getting off again at around 05:00. "Rehearsals are important for such big ceremonies," he explains, "but until you actually get on the ground itself, it’s quite hard to visualise where you need to be marching."
The overnight rehearsals, which took place in near complete darkness, were a crucial part of the planning process. As the BBC’s Ashitha Nagesh reports, "it’s a truly impressive sight to see the Household Cavalry and other regiments practising their drills and manoeuvres in the early hours of the morning." The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the parade, from the tailored uniforms to the precision drilling.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Lt Col Foinette highlights the importance of rehearsals in ensuring the success of the parade. "It’s not just about the soldiers, it’s about the horses, the vehicles, and the equipment," he explains. "Everything needs to be in place and working together seamlessly." The BBC has been told that the Household Division has been working closely with other units to ensure that every aspect of the parade is meticulously planned and executed.
As the nation prepares to come together to commemorate this significant anniversary, the BBC’s report from The Mall provides a fascinating glimpse into the hard work and dedication that goes into planning a VE Day parade. With hours of rehearsals, tailored uniforms, and precision drilling, it’s clear that this is an event that will be remembered for years to come. The BBC will be providing live coverage of the VE Day parade today, with expert analysis and commentary from our team of correspondents.
The VE Day parade is a significant event that commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe. The BBC’s coverage of the event is part of a wider series of programmes and reports that explore the history and significance of VE Day. For more information on the VE Day celebrations, visit the BBC’s dedicated website.
Image: Members of the Household Cavalry take part in an overnight rehearsal for the VE Day 80 procession on Whitehall in central London. (Getty Images)
