THE Princess Theatre, Torquay, is the venue for the annual Royal British Legion Devon County Festival of Remembrance, on the anniversary of armistice day, Thursday, November 11, at 7pm.

The event is normally staged in the Great Hall, Exeter University, but that is unavailable as it is undergoing extensive refurbishment.

This year's festival theme is the 150th anniversary of the cadet movement, and there is to be a big contribution from the Army Cadet Force, the Air Training Corp, Sea Cadets, Royal Marine Cadets, and from several schools.

In addition to the entertainment, this annual tribute to Britain's armed forces will feature the Britannia Royal Naval College Volunteer Band, Dartmouth, a singing group called the D-Day Darlings, and the traditional muster of standards of Devon's RBL branches and service associations.

Representatives of the armed forces, youth groups and emergency services will also be involved, and the festival will end with a short service of remembrance, including the two minutes' silence.

The guest speaker will be Warrant Officer Class 1 Matthew Tomlinson, who is the holder of both the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and the Military Cross. He is a serving member of the Royal Marines, whose association with the military goes back to his membership of the Somerset Army Cadet Force.

His keynote speech should be an inspiration to everyone, young and old. It is hoped that cadets, parents and friends will attend the festival.

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