19 Oct 20. DSEI 2021 and the British Army put integration in the spotlight. DSEI 2021’s Land Zone will put the power of integration in the spotlight as the British Army looks to build momentum across industry to support its Land Operating Concept for the coming decade.
In order to better adapt to the evolving character of warfare, the Army is enacting a new land operating concept that focuses on integrating government, industry and allies/partners at the highest level in order to drive the tempo of strategic activity.
Central to this is the ability for Defence and industry to work collaboratively to solve future capability challenges, as outlined under the Army Industrial Engagement Framework launched at DSEI 2019. Industry is now being encouraged to take its place as a lead echelon in the Army’s future force, with new technologies being exploited under the Secretary of State’s Transformation Fund and plans to link the Army Venture Capital Partnership with the National Security Strategic Investment Fund.
Around £100 million has been earmarked for investment in novel technologies in 2021, with hybrid electric drives, human/machine teaming, and the development of a virtual proving ground to accelerate Capability Development and 21st Century Headquarters among the top priorities. Additionally, industry is to play a key role in the planned Army Battle Lab on the Dorset Innovation Park, which will enable small and medium sized companies to collaborate and innovate in a year-round setting that is currently limited to the Army Warfighting Experiment.
DSEI 2021’s Land Zone, supported by the British Army, will provide a forum for industry to engage with Defence on these initiatives, showcase new equipment and technology, identify potential areas of collaboration, and meet with partners at all levels of the supply chain.
General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, Chief of the General Staff, said: “As we look to the future, the British Army will be more expeditionary and more engaged for more of the time and our equipment needs to match the threats and exponential developments in technology. The Army’s relationship with industry will be vital to ensuring it has innovation at the heart of future capability and we will be actively seeking opportunities to develop Defence’s relationship through the Army’s Land Industrial Strategy.
“On behalf of the Army, I’d like to extend my thanks and best wishes to the DSEI organisers for their help in delivering the Army’s part in DSEI 2021. Everyone is working incredibly hard to ensure the smooth running of the event despite current challenges and this is testament to the DSEI team’s professionalism and its commitment to partnership.”
“It is hugely validating to have the support of the British Army behind DSEI 2021. We believe that DSEI offers the single most valuable opportunity in the biennial defence trade show calendar to connect UK companies and their international counterparts with each other and their end customers across the land, sea and air domains,” Grant Burgham, DSEI Event Director, Clarion Defence & Security, commented. “We aim to foster business connections at every level and look forward to presenting a world-class industry response to the Army’s requirements as they look to support emerging operating concepts over the coming decade.”
16 Oct 20. Tickets for the 2021 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are set to go on sale on Monday 19th October. The announcement comes as Michael Braithwaite is appointed as the Tattoo’s new Creative Director, the first dedicated creative role in the organisation’s history.
Michael will join the wider Tattoo team this month as they begin planning for next year’s show, putting on a safe and unforgettable event that combines military precision, live music, breath-taking lighting and special effects and fantastic entertainment. Tickets for 2021 officially go on sale online and via phone at 10am this Monday, 19 October.
The 2021 seating plan has been considered to allow social distancing measures, with a reduced overall capacity and tickets available in sections of up to four seats together. Those who transferred their tickets from 2020 were first to select their seats prior to public sale.
As artistic planning gathers pace, Michael will define the creative theme of the Show, bringing it to life on the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. His appointment demonstrates the Charity’s commitment to creativity, innovation and putting on an unforgettable show next year, returning to the Castle with a bang!
The Tattoo was originally born out of the Second World War with the aims of raising morale after dark times, entertaining and bringing people together and the Charity will continue to uphold these original values, committing to next year’s event and giving fans of the Show near and far something to look forward to.
Buster Howes, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The past few months haven’t been easy for anyone, however we’re now ready to look forward to 2021 and are committed to delivering a safe, thrilling and uplifting spectacle for our audiences.
“We are renowned for our military precision and skill, this has evolved over many years of practice and experience and this rigorous approach has enabled us to navigate the challenges of the last year and to plan for all eventualities in the coming year, ensuring that Tattoo 2021 adheres to all relevant guidelines and is safe for audiences, performers and staff.
“This is a new era for the Tattoo. I am privileged to be leading the team as we enter our eighth decade. Tickets going on sale mark a turning point for us and in these uncertain times we want the 2021 Tattoo to be a beacon of hope – we will be back, and we can’t wait to see you.”
Michael was previously Global Shows Director for all live entertainment in Merlin Entertainments Group resorts, theme parks, attractions, and hotels in 23 countries worldwide, creating and producing some of the world’s best loved attractions. Prior to his role at Merlin, he was responsible for producing the first pan-London Outdoor Festival as a key event for Festival 2012, London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
Michael Braithwaite said of his appointment: “Over the years I’ve been hugely privileged to work for some of the biggest entertainment brands and productions in the world, but this is definitely one of my most exciting challenges yet.
“I’m very much looking forward to taking the creative reins of the Tattoo and building on the fantastic shows that have been produced over the past 70 years. It’s a unique and remarkable event, and I can’t wait to embark on this new chapter.”
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo go on sale at 10am on Monday 19th October 2020 online at www.edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or via telephone on 0131 225 1188. Standard seats are available from £25 to £90, with Premier Seats, Royal Gallery and Hospitality Packages starting from £134.