Over 150 local German guests were greeted by Brigadier Tom Beckett, Commander HQ 20th Armoured Brigade, at his recent Cocktail Party – the key Anglo-German social event of the year, held at the NATO Officers’ Mess in Normandy Barracks.

There was plenty of foot tapping as Sennelager-based Queen’s Dragoon Guards Band entertained the crowds by beating the retreat with musical medleys, including favourites such as Men of Harlech and Lord of the Dance.

The successful evening ended with Wagner’s ‘The Ride of the Valkyries’ - Parachute Regiment Quick March and ‘Rising of the Lark’ - Welsh Guards’ Regimental Quick March, to much applause.