IN A FIRST for the Island, the Household Cavalry will appear at the Royal Isle of Wight County Show.

The Queen's ceremonial regiment — famed for its role in the Trooping of the Colour, royal weddings and coronations — will stage a mounted display, with pomp and pageantry, on Sunday, June 30.

The team of 28 horses and riders, four musicians, and four grooms will travel from their Hyde Park barracks to the Northwood County Showground, where they will perform a 20-minute spectacle known as the Musical Ride.

It is a traditional series of manoeuvres, set to music, dating back to 1882, designed to demonstrate the skills used by the regiment in the days when it still fought on horseback.

The elite soldiers will be dressed exactly as they are for full state ceremonial events — in striking red uniforms, with tall, tassled helmets,but carrying lances instead of swords.

The display will be accompanied by military music, with the drum horse carrying silver drums weighing 52kg, and four state trumpeters.

County Show chairman Graham Biss said: "It's a honour to welcome the Household Cavalry and what a spectacle this is going to be!

"It's also very fitting the Queen's regiment is coming to our Royal County Show, as Queen Victoria was our first patron.

"This is only happening thanks to our amazing supporters — Wightfibre, Wightlink, the Island Riding Centre and Seaview Coaches — who are all pulling together to help us bring the cavalry to the Island.

"Animals are always the star of our show and there's so much more to do this year, including tractor rides, handling pigs, driving a 4x4 and clay pigeon shooting, all included in the ticket price."

The Royal Isle of Wight County Show takes place on Sunday, June 30, from 9am to 5pm, at the Northwood County Showground. For further information and tickets, visit iwcountyshow.co.uk