Royal Armouries gets in the mood, all guns blazing

FOR patriotic Britons there were few better places to be than the Royal Armouries in Leeds yesterday.

Royal-themed talks and tours took place in the museum throughout the day.

And if anyone had any thought at all about switching off from contemplating Her Majesty the Jubilee Celebrations in London were screened live in the Royal Armouries Hall on large TV screens all day.

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If that was not enough the whole museum was jubilantly decorated in red, white and blue.

The day started at 10am with free refreshments and soon was quickly into its stride with entertainment from majorette groups and live music to dance to, provided by the band Anything Goes.

Admission was free and undoubtedly this helped swell the crowds. Museum director Peter Armstrong said: “Our links with the monarchy date back centuries and the Royal Armouries was one of the ancient institutions of the Tower of London.

“We are proud to be joining the rest of the country in honouring HM The Queen with a series of events aimed at entertaining visitors of all ages, and from all walks of life.”

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The Royal Armouries was certainly determined to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in style and began its Royal Week on Saturday with a royal programme of events at what is Britain’s oldest museum as an institution, although its current Leeds home in Clarence Dock dates back to 1996.

The idea was to provide something for all the family during 10 days of Jubilee celebrations – from today’s Jubilee party to falconry displays, horse shows, kings and queens’ treasure trail; and royal treasures such as King Henry VIII’s armour.

On Thursday evening from 6.30pm there will be a lecture telling the story of royal armour fashion, illustrated with surviving pieces. Tickets: £5.