9:17AM, Tue Jul 3, 2012

Flags And Fireworks For Sunderland As The City Hosts Its First Ever Diamond Jubilee Tattoo

By Hugh Macknight Location: Sunderland

The city of Sunderland hosted its first ever Tattoo in celebration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The spectacular event featured marching bands, a cadet challenge and music and dancing from the six decades of Her Majesty's reign.

It ended with a rousing flag-waving finale, featuring musical favourites from Last Night of the Proms, fireworks and the release of 800 red, white and blue balloons.

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Diamond Jubilee Tattoo at The University of Sunderland's St Peter's Campus

There were two performances of the tattoo in St Peter's Square at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus of the University of Sunderland - a matinee dress rehearsal performance and a main performance.

The line up included Durham Army Cadet Force Band, 102 Battalion REME Pipe Band, Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion, Highland Dancers, University of Sunderland Choir, John Rowland (tenor), Julie Pendleton (soprano) and pupils from Southmoor School.

The narrator for the event was Alasdair Hutton OBE, who has been responsible for writing and narrating the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for the last 20 years.