Minden Day 2024 reunion at The Keep in Bury St Edmunds sees community and old comrades gather as Suffolk & Cambridgeshire Regiment Museum opens after refurbishment

This year’s Minden Day celebration saw old comrades and hundreds of people gather at The Keep in Bury St Edmunds on Sunday as a museum reopened after nearly a year of refurbishment.

Every year on August 1, army units remember the Battle of Minden, when a joint Anglo-German force defeated the French in 1759 and among those on the English side were soldiers from the 12th of Foot Suffolk Regiment.

It is said the soldiers picked roses from German gardens and wore them as they advanced and that tradition is still honoured, with red and yellow roses worn in caps and lapels on parade.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk Clare, Countess of Euston, also re-opened the Suffolk & Cambridgeshire Regiment Museum following nearly a year of refurbishment.

Sunday's reunion included a march past of old comrades, a bouncy castle and face painting, historical vehicles, the Glenmoriston Pipe Band and more.

Ian Robinson, one of the event organisers, said: “It was a really well-supported and positive day with an amazing turnout of people which was helped by the great weather.

“I’ve been going to Minden Day celebrations since I was a child so I’ve got fond memories of it and to be in my position organising it now is really special and I take a great deal of pleasure in it.

“It was really enjoyable to see the wider community come along especially as there’s less and less connection between the armed forces and wider community so that felt really important.

“It was nice to see lots of young people there too who were interested in the veterans and what was going on.”

Mr Robinson added: “I was really glad to have the Lord-Lieutenant there and I must thank West Suffolk College and the Glenmoriston Pipe Band.

“They have supported us fantastically and we couldn’t do the evening without them. They make it a fantastic occasion.”