THE cavalry are coming to town this month, complete with 36 elite soldiers and their horses.

The Island is busy preparing for the Royal Isle of Wight County Show, where the Queen's Household Cavalry will perform on Sunday, June 30.

Several Isle of Wight businesses and organisations have joined forces to support the event, including WightFibre.

Chief executive John Irvine said: "It’s absolutely brilliant having the Household Cavalry on the Island, it’s a real coup.

"Supporting this giant event is a great way for us to give something back to the community."

In preparation for their arrival, supporters met for a spot of horseplay at the Island Riding Centre, Newport, where the soldiers and horses will stay before performing their world famous musical ride at the Northwood Showground ­— the first such display on the Isle of Wight.

The musical ride is a display of military manoeuvres, set to music, with plenty of pomp and pageantry.

Louise Buckner, owner of the Island Riding Centre, whose grandfather was in the Household Cavalry in the 1940s, said: "It’s a massive thing for us, having the Queen’s horses and soldiers to stay, and it’s great for the Island."

Louise and her husband Paul are building two new stables especially for the giant horses that carry the silver drums.

Seaview Services will provide the coach. Secretary Mary Robinson said: "It’s always a lovely day out. I saw the Household Cavalry at the Lord Mayor’s Parade in London and it made me feel proud to be British.

"We’ll be bringing as many people as we can!"

At the show, the soldiers will be served lunch in the WI tent.

Hazel Breach, federal treasurer of the Isle of Wight WI, said: "The ladies at the WI are having duels at dawn to decide who’s going to be serving them.

"Some of the WI members are even offering their spare bedrooms and saying the horses can stay in the garden."

Graham Biss, chairman of the show, said: "It has only been possible to bring the Household Cavalry to the Island due to the support from our partners.

"This is going to be the event of the summer.

"There’s so much do, from tractor rides to clay pigeon shooting."

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