The town of Minden, between Herford and Hanover, will come alive in late July and early August with a galaxy of celebrations to mark the 250th Anniversary of the famous Battle of Minden, being staged with maximum support from British Forces Germany.

This historically vital battle on 1 August 1759, featuring British, Prussian and Hanoverian troops, saw the defeat of the French Army in a hard-fought conflict just outside this stately town, putting an end to the Seven Years War. 

On this day in 1759, world history was written before the gates of Minden and, for several weeks, visitors will find the town centre transformed into a stunning 1759 setting. Turned into a giant pedestrian zone, modern traffic will have no place in this historic site.

British Forces are helping the town stage this spectacular programme of pomp and pageantry, much of which the public can join for free.

Around the globe on 1 August, ‘Minden Day’ or ‘The Battle of the Roses’ (the soldiers plucked wild roses en route to victory), is celebrated in style. Numerous British Army units hold the ‘Minden’ battle honour, and wherever they are in the world, whether on training or operational service, they pause to celebrate ‘Minden Day’.

This year the units are celebrating right where it all started – Minden itself. The spectacular military programme, running from 29 July – 1 August, includes a ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony, a Musical Tattoo featuring hundreds of musicians, a colourful battle re-enactment, a military bridging display across the River Weser, a parachute drop, a helicopter fly-past, a rose petal drop, and a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the newly-refurbished Battle of Minden ‘Todtenhausen’ Memorial.

Most British Army units with the ‘Minden’ Battle Honour will be represented, with 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1 PWRR), 5th Battalion the Rifles (5 RIFLES), 12 (Minden) Battery and 32 (Minden) Battery Royal Artillery all providing marching contingents.  British military bands will include the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas, the Minden Band of the Queen’s Division, the Nottinghamshire Band (Volunteers) and the Rhine Area Pipes & Drums.

But as well as the military pageantry, the town is staging several weeks of entertainment themed as the European Friendship Festival and showcasing some of the best of German and European culture. Visitors will suddenly find themselves in the year 1759 as they meet soldiers, aristocrats, citizens, farmers, traders, beggars and showmen from a long forgotten time, as the town centre re-lives those stirring events of yesteryear. 

Running from late July through to late August, the colourful programme takes in concerts, street performances, art shows, exhibitions, city and battlefield tours as well as historical re-enactments of those epic days. 

Several VIP visitors from all three nations are expected to attend the European Friendship Festival, among them Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers, Ministerpräsident NRW, and Sir Michael Arthur, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Berlin.   

The Festival launches in style on 30 July with a three day culinary extravaganza themed as the ‘Gourmet Mile’. The best of British, French and German cuisine will be served up in the historic market square in a period setting, with a giant barbecue in the Altstadt providing the centrepiece. 

For an extra helping of historical fare, visitors can don period costume and join Mindeners at the ‘Duke of Brunswick’s Meal’ that evening, with 1700s entertainment laid on (contact Minden Marketing on 0571 829 0659 or check out the website for further information: www.battle-of-minden.com.).

Other themed entertainment includes ‘Brits in Minden’ on 8 August, with an English Brunch, fish and chips, and Irish and Scottish dancing, as well Minden’s first-ever ‘Last Night of the Proms’ on 28 August.

So why not join the merry makers this summer in this delightful town and enjoy a once-in-250 years riot of fun and entertainment.

Major George Bacon, the MINDEN ROSE project officer, said:

‘BVO have kindly offered to support the BFG events by providing Garrisons with shuttle coach transport to enable families to see the British Forces involvement. In addition, some limited seating has been reserved for participating units so I urge BFG families to come along and have the time of their lives, at the same time helping British Forces support the town and getting to know our German hosts. Bids for transport should be directed through the local GTO and other enquiries through the DLLO or Stadt Tourism Office’.

‘Much of the entertainment is laid on for free, and all the details are on the town’s website: www.battle-of-minden.com.’

Battle of Minden 250 Anniversary: Key British Forces involvement

Key events involving British Army participation, which the public can join for free, are:

• Wed 29 July 09, 2015 – 2100:  Beating the Retreat, Simeonsplatz. 

The Beating the Retreat Ceremony takes place on Simeonsplatz, against the fantastic backdrop of Minden’s famous Prussia Museum. Featuring the famous Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas, this stirring programme of traditional marching and music echoes the recall to barracks at the end of the day, with an Army helicopter flypast expected to provide a thrilling finale.

• Fri 31 July 09, 1830 - 2030:  Musical Tattoo, Simeonsplatz.  

In a dazzling spectacle, the ‘1st Minden Tattoo’ features several hundred musicians from some seven bands, including the Minden Band of the Queen’s Division, the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and the Rhine Area Pipes and Drums. 

• Sat 01 August 09, 0900 - 1000:  Wreath Laying Ceremony, Todtenhausen.

A small but poignant Wreath Laying Service takes place at the Battle of Minden’s Todtenhausen Memorial, just north of the town, accompanied by a Colour Party of 5 RIFLES and the Last Post and Reveille played by an Army bugler. Wreaths to honour the fallen will be laid by Major General Mungo Melvin, GOC UKSC, and others.

• Sat 01 August 09, 1100 - 1230:  Ceremonial Act, Simeonsplatz. 

The Stadt’s major memorial event, the Ceremonial Act (Fest Akt), in Simeonsplatz, will comprise Acts of Moderation and speeches from national representatives. Regimental Colour Parties, Associations and Royal British Legion standards will be present, with music by the Minden Band of the Queen’s Division. An air drop of rose petals will commemorate ‘The Battle of the Roses’ and provide a poignant finale.

• Sat 01 August 09, 1500 - 1600:  Bridge for Europe, Weser Meadows. 

The highlight of the British Forces programme, the ‘Bridge for Europe’ comprises a historical Battle of Minden re-enactment in period uniforms on the bank of the Weser close-by the battlefield , a military bridging demonstration, staged by 412 Amphibious Troop RE (V) and the Bundeswehr’s Heavy Engineer Regiment 130, and a parachute display by the Joint Services Parachute Centre. 

• Sun 02 August 09, 1000: Church Service for Peace, St Martini Kirche

BFG will take part in a historical Church Service in the town centre, with the congregation dressed in period costumes. An Army Padre will help officiate, with the Minden Band of the Queen’s Division providing musical support.     

For advice on accommodation contact: Minden Marketing GmbH, Domstr. 2, 32423 Minden, Tel 0049 (0)571 / 8290659, Email info@mindenmarketing.de