The Soldiering On Awards finale is almost here! In excess of 500 people will gather at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on Wednesday 16 October to celebrate the amazing achievements of members of the Armed Forces community. They will also enjoy some unbelievable entertainment.
Returning to the Soldiering On Awards stage is coloratura soprano Christina Johnston – known as The Nightingale – who has captivated audiences worldwide. She has performed at major European opera houses, portraying roles such as Zerlina in Don Giovanni and Katerina Cavellieri in Amadeus.
Her voice has featured in film scores including Wonder Woman 1984 (2021), where she sang the first operatic aria in a DC film. Christina’s charity single “A Million Tears” for the Purple Poppy Appeal, supported by Queen Elizabeth II, reached No. 1 on the Classical charts. This November, she will make her Canadian debut.
No Soldiering On Awards night would be complete without the skirl o’ the pipes, so we are delighted to welcome back Harry Gordon, Combined Cadet Force Piper. Harry, age 16, is an active member of ACF Pipes and Drums, and holds the Pipe Major position at Gordon’s School for the 2nd year running, performing around the UK.
This summer, he piped with the 2nd Battalion Ranger Regiment in the Houses of Parliament, he participated at the Lord Mayor’s Parade in London, held a memorial service at the Menin Gate in Ypres, and took part in the 2024 World Pipe Band Championships with the Gordon’s School Pipes & Drums Band.
The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment regularly supports State Ceremonial occasions and international military tattoos, performs concerts to raise money for Service charities, and provides entertainment at air shows and functions. On 16th October we will have pleasure of hosting them at the Soldiering On Awards finale.
2022 saw the Band perform as part of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, then inn September 2023 the Band lined the route for the State Funeral of the late Queen. They also provided a route lining contingent for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla in May 2023.
The Soldiering On Awards finale will have something truly magical to offer guests – and we have that 8n spades, not least in the form of The Magic Marine. Steel served as a Royal Marines Commando for ten years, spending his final two years as a Medic with the Special Boat Service (SBS), the UK’s elite amphibious fighting force.
During his 2008-2009 deployment to Afghanistan Steel witnessed first-hand the bravery and sacrifice of his comrades as they faced unimaginable challenges and injuries. These profound experiences, led Steel to a major life decision: to follow his passion for magic. He has been performing as a professional magician for seven years, captivating audiences at weddings, charity events, and Royal Marines functions. He was also a finalist in Britain’s Got Talent 2020.
We will also be joined on the night by our magnificent Cadets, who always execute their duties with professionalism and pride.
There are some surprises in store too – we can’t say any more for now but, trust us, it’s going to be spectacular!
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