IF YOU’RE staying at home this long weekend, a spectacular treat awaits you in the form of the Trooping of the Queen’s Colour.

The event celebrates the official birthday of the Queen, and will see   The Corps of Staff Cadets, together with the Band of the Royal Military College in a colourful, traditional ceremonial parade, to be reviewed by Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, Chief of Defence Force.

The “Trooping the Colour” ceremony dates back to the 16th Century when, each evening, the Regiment’s Colour was escorted through the ranks of troops to ensure that soldiers would be able to recognise their Colour on the battlefield. In the mid-1700s the formality was incorporated into regular guard mounting procedures by the Foot Guards of the British Army. It also became custom at that time for units of the Brigade of Guards to share duties on the Sovereign’s birthday so that the gratuities on offer for the guard that day were shared by all Regiments of the Brigade. It is from these two traditions that the custom of “Trooping the Queen’s Colour” on the Sovereign’s birthday has developed.

The Commandant, Staff and Cadets of the Royal Military College of Australia are particularly proud of the customs and traditions contained within the ceremony and welcome the opportunity to display the skills involved in portraying the pageant in the surrounds of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin.

All members of the public of Canberra are invited to attend. There is no charge for admission but it is advisable to bring along a folding chair and perhaps a warm blanket, to enjoy this most picturesque of all military ceremonies. Refreshments will be available and facilities provided.

The Trooping of the Queen’s Colour, Gallipoli Reach on the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin, 10.15am, Saturday June 11.