Although today is the busiest day if the celebrations, for us it's free time until mid-afternoon, so several of us went to the camp to see the re-enactors (who we'd miss in the afternoon as we're dancing).
We met some of them as we entered the camp.
Not sure about the outfits, but I think they're authentic.
French cavalry (played by Englishmen and women)
Out in the training field.
Prussian and British forces in battle lines
Forward!
Another troop march in with their cannon
Fire!
One regiments colours
Bet that made you jump!
The British Doctor
The band leading the troops off.
Within the camp - dinner being prepared
Filling cartridges with gunpowder
After lunch we gathered on the riverbank to watch the bridge building display. The Minden Band marched in
Together with representatives of other regiments
The crowd grew around us
Safety boat on the scene
The first bridge vehicle heads for the river
...with a splash!
The engineers set about their task with alacrity
The "wings" of each vehicle interlock to provide a floating roadway
Soon the whole river is covered
The first troops cross and fly flags
Then officials and military march across
Parachutes - British
and German
The general public were allowed to cross the bridge - but we couldn't as we had to dance shortly.
Minden Day -Peggy had bought roses for us all to wear
The band line up ready (as it's the intro to Alton Morris only drum and flute are playing!)
Alton Morris gets an airing
The Wain
Jonny with dancers on his euphonium
The crows seem to like it
The Rose completes our first set
Ben comes out of the tunnel
They like us!
Between sets - an ice cream...
...on a massive scale
Second spot, at 8pm, outside the Melitta Lounge
Turk Street
The Rose again
Sylvia got carried away with the garlands
And so some food and back to the hotel for a session in the bar, with some of the German re-enactors who lent hats...
...and jackets
A good time was had by all
And the barman was happy as the beer flowed
Happy friends
Various songs, in various styles, were sung
And eventually to bed...