Sunderland Tattoo for Jubilee

Pipers in Sunderland gave the city a taste of things to come as they launched the first-ever Sunderland Tattoo.

The man co-ordinating the event is Alistair Hutton, who has previously run the famous Royal Tattoo in Edinburgh. He will direct 300 musicians and dancers over two performances in St Peter's Square at Sunderland University.

The Tattoo is being planned for June 30, to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. It coincides with Armed Forces Day, and on Tuesday members of the Armed Services joined the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear at Sunderland University to start off the preparations.

The date has been chosen to raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by servicemen and women. Lending her support at the launch was Jan Murray, the mother of Michael Tench, who was killed whilst serving in Iraq aged just 18.

"I always remember what I had in a son. Obviously he's not here but we all remember our fallen, so now it's about supporting what we have left.

"I think it will be mixed emotions for everyone with the Jubilee and Armed Forces Day as well."

The Tattoo isn't the only event to mark the occasion. On July 18, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will finish their official UK tour here in the North East.