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Cavalry comes to rescue at Chelsea hospital pageant
09.05.08
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is to stage its first pageant for 100 years on 8 June.
The fundraising event telling the hospital's history will feature soldiers, horses and a choir.
Famous names including Judi Dench, Rory Bremner and Timothy Spall will play historical figures and Michael Portillo will provide the commentary.
The hospital was founded by Charles II and the first pensioners arrived in 1692, shortly after the "Glorious Revolution". Director Christopher Joll said the pageant will open with footage of combat from Afghanistan and veterans of that war will run in, throw themselves on the ground and fire a volley before running off again.
"Today's soldiers are tomorrow's pensioners," he said.
Among troops on parade will be soldiers from the Household Cavalry and The Life Guards' Mounted Squadron.
Money raised will go to the Chelsea Pensioners' Appeal for a new £35 million care centre - £25 million has already been raised.
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