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Albert Square to host birthday bash for TA

18/04/2008

Manchester is celebrating the 100th birthday of the Territorial Army with a party in Albert Square on Saturday night.

TA veterans, VIP military and civilian guests, serving members of the territorial units and dignitaries have been invited to enjoy the celebrations.

The event starts at 20:00 BST with a performance from the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. A Gurhka dance ritual and a spectacular firework display are also scheduled to take place.

Afterwards, the guests of the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and the Lord Mayor of Manchester will retire to the Town Hall to enjoy a traditional military dinner.

"For the people of Manchester, this is an opportunity to pay tribute to the generosity and the valour of the people who, over the last 100 years, have given their time, their talent and sometimes their lives, to serving this country," said a spokesperson for the council.

"They demonstrate the very best of human spirit, courage and commitment."

Commander Regional Forces Lieutenant General Nick Parker CBE will address the diners and speak about the history and the future direction of the TA.

In its 100th year, around 1,500 TA soldiers will be deployed on operations around the world accounting for nearly one-tenth of deployed army capability.